Failure To Yield To A Pedestrian
Obeying the rules of the road, especially as they apply to pedestrians, helps to keep all road users safe.
PROTECTING THE MOST VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
Users of Ontario’s roadways are not only those behind the wheel of a vehicle. Cyclists and pedestrians use the roads too. Failing to yield to a pedestrian puts them at risk of suffering catastrophic injuries, and puts drivers at risk of severe consequences.
THE DEFINITION OF ‘FAILURE TO YIELD TO A
PEDESTRIAN’ CHARGES
Drivers may be guilty of “failure to yield to a pedestrian” if they do not stop and yield the roadway to pedestrians where pedestrian traffic may legally use the road.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVERS & SCHOOL CROSSINGS
Drivers must yield the entire roadway when pedestrians are lawfully using pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and other locations where there is a school crossing guard, to cross the road.
Across Canada, pedestrian crossovers are generally identified by all, one, or a combination of specific street signs, pavement markings and overhead lights and signs. School crossings are pedestrian crossings where a school crossing guard is present and using a school crossing stop sign.
Drivers and cyclists are not allowed to proceed through pedestrian crossovers or school crossings until all pedestrians and crossing guards are safely on the sidewalk.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS AT INTERSECTIONS
Pedestrian crosswalks are usually found at roadway intersections with traffic signals, walk signals, pedestrian signals or stop signs.
PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS
If a driver fails from not yielding to pedestrians who are legally using the roadway, it can have catastrophic consequences, including loss of life and debilitating injuries.
Higher Penalties and Stricter Enforcement
The penalties for failing to yield to pedestrians in Ontario were increased recently, including higher fines and more demerit points.
You can face one or more of the following penalties if you are convicted of failing to yield to pedestrians in Ontario.
- Fines: a maximum of $1,000
- Demerit Points: 4
When Failing to Yield to Pedestrians Becomes Careless Driving
If you fail to yield while driving aggressively or in a way that puts other road users at risk, you may also be charged with careless driving. Penalties for careless driving include a fine of up to $2,000, six demerit points, a maximum of six months in jail and a driver’s licence suspension of up to two years.
HOW TO FIGHT FAILURE TO YIELD TO A
PEDESTRIAN CHARGES
There’s a greater emphasis across the country to protect vulnerable road users. And there’s a fine line between charges of failing to yield to pedestrians and careless driving.
The Best First Step to Fight the Charges: Get the legal advice and representation of X-Copper’s winning team of qualified and experienced lawyers, former police officers and legal professionals on your side. They know the enforcement methods of the officers who charged you, how the courts will interpret your case, and know-how to get the best results possible.