Walking along road? Better follow the rules

In the wake of two pedestrian fatalities this year along county roadways, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office will be ramping up enforcement in compliance with state law.

Sheriff Barry Babb said his office this year has responded to two separate pedestrian fatalities.

“These deaths are tragic reminders to all Fayette County residents to not travel on the road when on foot,” said Babb. “In the coming weeks, deputies will be conducting focused enforcement of state law that prohibits pedestrians, including persons standing, walking, jogging, running, or otherwise on foot, from traveling on the roadway when cars are present.”

Additionally, if no sidewalk is present, pedestrians must travel on the shoulder as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway, Babb said. If there is no shoulder, pedestrians must travel as near as practicable to the outside edge of the roadway. If the road is a two-lane roadway, pedestrians are required to be on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, Babb said.

“We want to make sure Fayette County residents are safe by being mindful of the law as it applies to pedestrians on the roadway,” said Babb.