Posted on Nov 15, 2014
Should service members be able to jaywalk since they have the right of way on a military base?
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I have always been told to stop and wait until it is clear to cross a street. Since joining the military, I have seen a lot of people play chicken with cars on post because of an apparent regulation that states something in the ballpark of "all cars will stop for a soldier crossing the street."
I personally do not want to play chicken with a 1/4 ton vehicle that is traveling on average 25 mph. I'm sorry but I love having the ability to walk to much to play that game. But I constantly see people who think that the car is always just going to stop on a dime just because you're running late for a formation and you do not want to wait.
I can understand having traffic stop for an entire formation heading somewhere, but I feel that if it is just a few people (not in any formation whatsoever) heading somewhere, then they can wait until the coast is clear.
I personally do not want to play chicken with a 1/4 ton vehicle that is traveling on average 25 mph. I'm sorry but I love having the ability to walk to much to play that game. But I constantly see people who think that the car is always just going to stop on a dime just because you're running late for a formation and you do not want to wait.
I can understand having traffic stop for an entire formation heading somewhere, but I feel that if it is just a few people (not in any formation whatsoever) heading somewhere, then they can wait until the coast is clear.
Safety
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 3
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The J. in my initials stands for my first name, Jay.
So, there I was in DC, just got off work at my civilian job (I'm USAR/TPU), and where I was going was right across the street from where I was. I waited for traffic to clear, and ran across. All of a sudden I hear someone near me holler "Hey you in the suit!".
I turned around and saw a cop getting in my face. He was going to write me a ticket for jaywalking. He asked me my name, and I said "Officer, I better show you my ID, because if I tell you my name you're going to think I'm being a smartass and take me to jail.".
Without missing a beat, he said "Oh, and I suppose your name is Jay Walker?". After seeing my ID and that that is in fact my name, he doubled over with laughter, and yelled "Get the hell out of here before I change my mind."
Of course, that only works once.......
So, there I was in DC, just got off work at my civilian job (I'm USAR/TPU), and where I was going was right across the street from where I was. I waited for traffic to clear, and ran across. All of a sudden I hear someone near me holler "Hey you in the suit!".
I turned around and saw a cop getting in my face. He was going to write me a ticket for jaywalking. He asked me my name, and I said "Officer, I better show you my ID, because if I tell you my name you're going to think I'm being a smartass and take me to jail.".
Without missing a beat, he said "Oh, and I suppose your name is Jay Walker?". After seeing my ID and that that is in fact my name, he doubled over with laughter, and yelled "Get the hell out of here before I change my mind."
Of course, that only works once.......
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Pedestrians always have the right of way. Was it different when you got your license?
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SPC Daniel Edwards
Actually, sir, I have asked around about this. There is also a law called "jaywalking." Pedestrians have right away only in crosswalks and only when no vehicles are coming. This is, of course, solely on the civilian side. This can't really apply to the military world. My problem is that drivers, no matter if it a service member or civilian driving on the base, all have to focus on cars. I will stop for service members to cross no problem. The problem is other people are not that observant and I run the risk of being rear ended. Been on both ends of that situation. What I am trying to say is instead of running the risk of being hit by someone or having an accident happen, would it be to much trouble to have it where the only reason to stop is for an official formation that has to cross the street. One or two service members running across the street doesn't seem justifiable in my book to stop 10 cars going the posted speed limit.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
No. Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way. It's quite possible they can then be ticketed for jay walking...but they always have the right of way. If you hit a pedestrian while driving, you will ALWAYS be found at fault. ALWAYS. Not the case for an accident with another vehicle.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/pedestrian-crossing-50-state-summary.aspx
You are confusing "pedestrians shouldn't jaywalk" with "right of way". "Right of way" means that a vehicle has to yield to the pedestrian. Go ahead, find me one case where the pedestrian was cited as being at fault in an accident. I'll wait.
You are confusing "pedestrians shouldn't jaywalk" with "right of way". "Right of way" means that a vehicle has to yield to the pedestrian. Go ahead, find me one case where the pedestrian was cited as being at fault in an accident. I'll wait.
Pedestrian Crossing: 50 State Summary
To combat the rise in pedestrian injuries and fatalities and create more walkable communities, state legislatures have been toughening laws regarding the circumstances when a motorist must stop or yield to a pedestrian crossing at an uncontrolled crosswalk.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
Look, I'm not saying it's legal for pedestrians to cross where ever they want. Clearly, you can be cited for jaywalking. I'm saying that if you are the driver of a vehicle, and you hit a pedestrian for any reason, you will be cited. Find me one instance in a court where a pedestrian was struck by a motor vehicle, then charged with jaywalking.
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SPC Daniel Edwards
"Oh they will see me" I'm never looking for someone crossing the road. I am more looking for another car.
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