Virginia Authorities Charge Driver For Failing To Yield To Pedestrian

A female driver faces charges for the traffic violation of failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror.

According to the Leesburg Police Department, this incident occurred on Tuesday, August 17 at approximately 9:18 a.m. at Catoctin Circle near the Leesburg Post Office. Allegedly, the female driver failed to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. The driver apparently struck the pedestrian and caused minor injuries. The pedestrian received medical treatment at a nearby hospital after transportation via ambulance.

As a result of this incident, the female driver in question faces charges for failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian. While this driver awaits further legal developments, it seems like an opportune moment to review the Virginia laws and penalties at play in this case.

Virginia Rule to Yield Right-of-Way to Pedestrians

The Virginia rule to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians appears under Code of Virginia Section 46.2-924. This section requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian at any:

• Clearly marked crosswalk at the middle or end of any block;
• Regular pedestrian crossing included in extended boundary lines of an adjacent sidewalk at the end of a block; or
• Intersection where the speed limit is a maximum of 35 miles per hour.

On top of the overarching rule above, Section 46.2-924 also:

• Prohibits any driver from passing or overtaking a vehicle that is stopped to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians;
• Enables drivers to disregard the right-of-way requirements, if a law enforcement officer orders the driver to do so;
• Requires drivers at intersections to change course, slow down, or stop, if needed to allow pedestrians to cross the intersection safely and quickly; and
• Prohibits any pedestrian from entering or crossing an intersection while disregarding traffic that is approaching.

Virginia Penalty for Failing to Yield Right-of-Way to Pedestrians

Section 46.2-924 also establishes the Virginia penalty for failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. In locations where there is a legally posted sign that requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, failing to do so is a traffic infraction. The penalty ranges from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $500.

Do You Need Legal Help?

For help with your case, contact the Leesburg traffic violation attorneys at Simms Showers LLP. We can assist you throughout each step of the process.

Resource:

loudountimes.com/news/pedestrian-struck-on-catoctin-circle-in-leesburg-sustains-minor-injuries/article_1de67d06-ff68-11eb-ac6c-73432d4d4393.html