(From the Ottawa Police Department)

Have you seen these new crosswalks popping up? Some are not new and have always been there but have received an update. We would like to thank ODOT and the Village of Ottawa for the contributions that were made to fund these projects. In Ohio, drivers must stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked, as pedestrians have the right-of-way. Drivers must yield to pedestrians even when traffic signals aren’t present or clear. Approaching drivers are prohibited from overtaking a vehicle that has stopped to yield to a pedestrian.

When to Stop

Marked and Unmarked Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in both marked crosswalks (those with painted lines) and unmarked crosswalks (the natural continuation of the sidewalk at an intersection).

Without Traffic Signals: If traffic signals are not in use or don’t clearly indicate who has the right-of-way, drivers must stop for pedestrians.

Pedestrian in the Crosswalk: When a pedestrian is in the crosswalk or “upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling,” the driver must stop to let them cross.

Driver Responsibilities

Yielding: Drivers are required to slow down or stop to allow pedestrians to cross safely.

No Overtaking: Drivers are forbidden from passing a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Pedestrian Responsibilities

Exercise Caution: Pedestrians must not suddenly leave the curb and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop. Use the crosswalk and do not cross in the middle of the street. Push the button on the crosswalk to warn drivers that you are there. Make sure that you look both ways before crossing the road.

You will notice downtown that a few stop lights have been removed. This is because we must follow procedures put in place to remove the stop lights before changes are made. Soon, you will notice more crosswalk signs with lights at those intersections thanks to ODOT.

Please remember, you must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk even if it does not have flashing lights, ITS THE LAW.