A Clinton resident wants to remind others that crosswalks do not have to be marked.
To the editor:
Recent articles have reported on the Street Smart pedestrian education campaign conducted in the Town of Clinton this past spring.
The message of the program is that drivers must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and pedestrians must cross only in crosswalks.
Some residents and business owners in Clinton incorrectly believe that all crosswalks are painted. Even some Clinton town officials mistakenly believe this.
What exactly is a crosswalk?
According to the state Department of Transportation, a crosswalk is "an extension of the road, sidewalk, curb or edge of the shoulder at an intersection for people on foot. Crosswalks may be either marked or unmarked. A marked crosswalk is any portion of the road outlined by painted markings or a difference texture of concrete or pavers."
This means that in the state of New Jersey crosswalks exist at all intersections. These crosswalks can be painted or unpainted. A painted crosswalk is a marked crosswalk; an unpainted crosswalk is an unmarked crosswalk.
What is the deal with unmarked crosswalks?
Does the pedestrian have the right-of-way at an unmarked crosswalk? Yes!
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all crosswalks, not just the marked ones.
The law for drivers is slightly different depending on whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked.
At marked crosswalks the driver must stop; at unmarked crosswalks the driver must yield.
However, while the law gives pedestrians the right-of-way at both types of crosswalks, people still must cross with caution and use due care for their safety.
Winnie Phelan Scuteri
Clinton