Transportation Code Chapter 552 contains the rules of the road for pedestrians. Contrary to popular belief, the pedestrian does not always have the right of way. Just like drivers, pedestrians have certain duties and protections as provided by the law.
Pedestrians must obey traffic control and crosswalk signals. Pedestrians may only cross a roadway when they receive a green signal or a walk sign. Pedestrians with yellow, red, wait, or do-not-walk signals may not cross the roadway. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who have the walk or green signal within a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
If there is a pedestrian in a crosswalk that does not have traffic control signals, the driver must yield the right-of-way. As the pedestrian crosses, vehicles on the same side of the road must yield, and vehicles on the other side of the road must stop if the pedestrian is drawing near at an unsafe speed. It is illegal for a vehicle to pass another vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.
It is illegal to walk in the roadway if a sidewalk is available and accessible. Walking on the road is only permitted if there is no sidewalk or the sidewalk is blocked. If there is no sidewalk, the pedestrian must walk on the road, keep to the left side of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic.
Crossing somewhere other than an intersection is particularly dangerous. Most pedestrian accidents occur in non-intersections. If an intersection or crosswalk is available, the pedestrian must use it to cross the road. Otherwise, the pedestrian must yield the right of way to coming vehicles. Crossing an intersection diagonally is only allowed if a traffic control device permits such an action.