Habersham Co. Sheriff reminds Pedestrians that Drivers have the Right of Way on the Road

As warmer weather arrives, more people are getting out and walking or running – many of them on the road.  Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell reminds walkers and runners that under Georgia law they must yield to all vehicles.  A common misconception in Georgia is that a person walking in the roadway has the right of way. That is not true.  Where a sidewalk is provided, the law says people must walk, run, or stand on the sidewalk.  “If there is no sidewalk provided, you should walk, run, or jog on the shoulder of the road, as far away from the edge of the road as possible without causing harm to yourself,” Terrell said. “If there is no sidewalk and no shoulder, the person should walk, jog, or run as near as possible to the outside edge of the roadway. If that’s on a two-lane road, they should walk or run against traffic.”  The law requires any pedestrian to move totally off the road surface when a vehicle approaches in that lane of travel.  “Georgia law requires that any person who is on a roadway shall yield the right of way to all cars on the road,” Terrell said. “That means they have to move onto the grass if a car is coming – completely off the asphalt.”  Terrell said he realizes people like to use rural roads for exercise but reminds residents public roadways are designed for safe travel by motorists.  “I know when the weather is nice people want to get out and walk or run for exercise, but they need to understand that if they are hit or cause a wreck, they can be held responsible if they are not following state law regarding pedestrians,” Terrell said.  Terrell also reminds pedestrians to use crosswalks whenever available when crossing the street.