Walk Incorrectly In Phoenix And You’ll Be Ticketed Just Like A Speeding Driver Would | Carscoops

      New regulations and significant safety enhancements may alter the outcomes for pedestrians in one of the most dangerous cities for walking in the USA.

      Phoenix ranks as the fourth most perilous city in the nation for pedestrian fatalities.

      Now, a citation—rather than a warning—will be issued for first-time jaywalking offenses.

      A budget of $5.6 million is designated for the installation of ten new pedestrian-activated crosswalks.

      While pedestrian safety has not always been prioritized in the United States, this may be shifting. Phoenix, noted for being the fourth deadliest city for pedestrians in the country, is tackling this issue through several approaches.

      As the fifth-largest city by population, Phoenix plans to allocate millions towards new infrastructure designed to protect pedestrians. Simultaneously, it is increasing enforcement of jaywalking laws, treating the issue with newfound seriousness.

      Pedestrians frequently cross streets at nearly every busy intersection, often far from designated crosswalks. “I’ve lived on this corner for seven years, and people cross all the time,” a local resident told AZ Family. “I’ve done it myself.” City officials anticipate that the new regulations will help reduce this behavior.

      From Warning to Penalty

      The updated city code now imposes harsher penalties for jaywalking. Previously, officers had to issue a warning before any formal penalties were applied. Now, a first infraction will result in a civil citation, similar to a speeding offense, and a second infraction will escalate to a Class 1 misdemeanor.

      “Do you think this will deter people from jaywalking? Yes, I believe it will help. I think it will help a lot,” another local stated. Only time will reveal the effectiveness of these changes, but Phoenix is not merely focused on issuing citations.

      $5.6 Million for Enhanced Safety

      This initiative coincides with a $5.6 million investment in pedestrian infrastructure. Plans include the installation of ten new pedestrian-activated crosswalks in busy areas, aimed at improving pedestrian visibility and giving drivers more time to react.

      Studies indicate that such crosswalks can decrease pedestrian accidents by almost 70 percent, as demonstrated in Tucson, which has a markedly different design than Phoenix.

      Rob Bhatt, a traffic safety researcher at ValuePenguin, pointed out that pedestrians in Arizona face nearly twice the national average risk of fatal collisions.

      “Phoenix is designed for fast-moving vehicles, which can lead to conflicts with pedestrians. Every safety measure, including fines, draws attention to the issue,” Bhatt remarked. It will take months, if not years, to assess the full effects of these initiatives.

      In the meantime, pedestrians in Phoenix should be careful about when and where they cross the street. Avoiding jaywalking may help them evade a ticket, but it can also protect them from severe and possibly life-altering accidents.