The location: Crosswalks

The problem: Some motorists seem to disobey or not know the general pedestrian right-ofway and crosswalk rules of the road. One reader said that she’s seen several motorists in the Thousand Oaks area drive through school crosswalks while children and a crossing guard were in the crosswalk, creating a major safety concern.

According to a recent survey reported by the Los Angeles Police Department, pedestrians account for one of every six traffic-related deaths in the U.S each year.

About 110,000 people walking or standing near a roadway suffer serious injuries annually.

Rules and tips: According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles driver handbook, pedestrian right-of-way rules follow the lines of courtesy and common sense.

A pedestrian crosswalk can be either explicit or implicit and, according to the DMV, every intersection where streets meet at right angles has a crosswalk for pedestrians to cross the street. Many pedestrian crosswalks have solid white lines. Some crosswalks, especially in residential areas, are not marked.

•Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in crosswalks.

•Motorists must stop for any pedestrian crossing at corners or other crosswalks.

•Motorists must wait for all pedestrians to reach the other side of the crosswalk before proceeding. If a crossing guard is working, drivers cannot proceed until he returns to his post.

•Motorists must always come to a full and complete stop behind the white limit line at signals and stop signs. In an unmarked intersection or crosswalk, motorists must stop completely at the corner and shouldn’t proceed until the intersection is cleared in all directions.

•Motorists must not pass from behind a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk. An unseen pedestrian could be crossing.

•Motorists must not stop in a crosswalk, which could place pedestrians in danger.

If motorists disobey crosswalk laws, traffic enforcers can and will cite lawbreakers. Fines vary from city to city, DMV officials said. Bicyclists and moped riders must also follow crosswalk rules.

LAPD suggests that motorists always watch for pedestrians, especially children, who may dart out from behind parked vehicles.

The LAPD offers the following tips to pedestrians to help prevent traffic accidents with pedestrians:

•Cross the street at intersections, preferably in marked crosswalks, whenever possible.

•Allow vehicles ample time to stop before you step into the crosswalk. Although you have the right-of-way, never assume the motorist sees you.

•When walking at night, wear light-colored clothes that will make it easier for motorists to see you. Retro-reflective gear helps pedestrians remain visible.

•Carry a small flashlight with you when walking at night.

•Before stepping off the curb, look left, right, then left again, and listen for oncoming traffic. Don’t simply depend on traffic signals to guide you when it’s clear to walk. Look before you step into the street.

•Walk defensively and watch traffic at all times. Don’t block your view with packages or other objects.

Have a traffic-related question or concern? Send it to “Acorn Traffic Man” in care of the address on page 4 or by e-mail to pic@theacorn.com. We’ll try to respond as soon as possible