Walking Safely in Savannah

The greater downtown area is known for its walkability – but do you know the rules of the road?

Below are our tips for walking safely in Savannah, as well as applicable laws.

Safety Tips

  • Be predictable, and follow the rules of the road.
  • Walk on sidewalks when available and passable.
  • If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
  • Be alert! Never assume a driver sees you.
  • Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions.
  • If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; if you are crossing a multi-lane road, use extra caution when crossing each lane.
  • Watch for drivers entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.

The Laws

Pedestrians crossing at any point other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right of way to all vehicles on the roadway.

When a pedestrian signal says WALK, you may proceed across the roadway. When it is flashing DON’T WALK, finish your crossing and do not start crossing if you have not entered the roadway. When it is steady DON’T WALK, do not start crossing.

“Crosswalk” means (A) That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs or in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway; or (B) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.

Crosswalks exists at most intersections whether or not they are marked by painted lines.

“Jaywalking” is not a legal term and does not appear in the Georgia Code. Even so, people often use “jaywalking” to describe a pedestrian crossing outside of a crosswalk. In fact, crossing the street outside of a crosswalk is perfectly LEGAL in most places, as long as the pedestrians yield to traffic.

Do not suddenly leave a curb or sidewalk and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close it is impractical for the driver to yield.

This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Pedestrian safety can be a two way street. Interested in learning how to be a bike and pedestrian friendly driver? Sign up for our next webinar!

Read on for some Pedestrian Safety Tips from Bike Walk Savannah.

  1. Walk on the Sidewalk
    If there are no sidewalks, walk as close to the left side of the street as safe, facing traffic.
  2. Cross at the Corner
    Cross at intersections or street corners for the most visibility, unless directed to a mid-block crossing by signage or markings. When possible, cross between white painted crosswalk lines.
  3. Obey Traffic Signals
    Before stepping out into the street, be sure to look at all traffic signals — don’t rush!
  4. Look Left, Right, Left
    Make sure traffic has come to a complete stop, and that you can fully see the street and any drivers. Don’t forget to look the wrong way down one-way streets, especially downtown!
  5. Watch for Turning Traffic
    Try to make eye contact with any drivers, especially those who may be turning. Watch for right turns on red!
  6. Be Careful around Driveways
    Check for signs that someone may be driving backwards, including brake lights or reverse lights. Drivers often move without checking as much as they should when they are in their own driveway.
  7. Aim to be Seen
    Avoid wearing dark-colored clothing at night or in inclement weather, or use reflective materials and carry a light. This may not always be possible due to required uniforms for work, so if you do have to wear darker clothes try to stick to well-lit routes.