NORWICH – There’s often more than a little confusion when it comes to the city’s vehicular and traffic regulations, particularly when it concerns pedestrian use of crosswalks. According to Police Chief Joseph Angelino, this confusion can be equally dangerous for those driving as well as those crossing the street. And as far as right of way is concerned, it’s really just a matter of common sense, he added.

Said Angelino, “People need to be reminded when and where it’s safe to cross the street ... this is something that should be taught early on by parents to their kids.”

According to New York State law – when traffic control signals are not in place – a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be, to yield to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk. Where no crosswalk is present, pedestrians must yield the right of way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

Drivers, said Angelino, should expect pedestrian traffic, particularly within the city’s business district, while pedestrians must be aware that vehicles have the right of way in all areas except crosswalks. It’s all about paying attention, he added.