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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    ​The Pennsylvania Capitol Police have made it a priority to take steps to improve the safety for pedestrians who walk on or around the Capitol Complex. In addition to vehicle traffic details to ensure the safe crossing of high-traffic roadways on the Capitol Complex, the Capitol Police have spearheaded efforts to install raised crosswalks, reduce the speed limit to all roadways on the capitol Complex to 15 MPH, and making crosswalks more visible through reflective materials and brighter colors.

    While we are making strides to enforce better behavior by vehicle operators, we must also ensure that pedestrians understand their role and responsibility in ensuring their safety as well under Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code.

    In urban areas, such as the area where the Capitol Complex is located, it is against the law to cross the street or road at any place other than a designated crosswalk. (PA Title 75, Chapter 35, § 3543, (c))

    According to a 2023 analysis from the Governors Highway Safety Administration, drivers in Pennsylvania killed 192 pedestrians. This total is eight more than in 2022, and 25% more than in 2019.

    Follow these safety tips to ensure that you are obeying the law and applying safe pedestrian practices: 

    • Cross only at crosswalks. Don't cross between parked cars.
    • Look left, right then left again and keep looking.
    • Wait for a gap in traffic, then step one foot off the curb or fully enter crosswalk and make eye contact with approaching drivers.
    • Always obey traffic signs and signals especially pedestrian count down timers.
    • See and be seen – drivers need to see you to avoid you. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or carry a flashlight at night.
    • Watch for turning vehicles at intersections, even if you have the right-of-way and proceeding lawfully.
    • Watch your children. Children can't judge a vehicle's speed and distance and need the help of an adult to be safe.
    • On streets with multiple lanes in each direction, be aware of what drivers in both near lanes are doing. If one driver is allowing you to cross, the other might not see you.
    • If no sidewalk is available, walk as far on the side of the road as you can, and always walk against traffic.
    • Always be aware of your surroundings, and never get distracted.​
    A person uses a crosswalk