What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Massachusetts
My son has his learner's permit. He is a very careful driver. Last week he was driving through a MA suburb with a 20 mph speed limit. About 1/2 mi. before an intersection, we noticed a Police Officer pulling out of the station parking lot. He followed at about 400 yards. Just as we entered the rural town center, we noticed traffic stopping on the opposite lane and then, about 5 feet from the crosswalk, we noticed a woman stepping into the road. My son decided it was too late to abruptly stop, so continued on. The PO waited about 10 seconds and then put on his lights. He made my son sweat for about 15 minutes and then gave him a warning. My question is - do you have to stop as soon as that pedestrian's foot hits the pavement? I don't think that I would have stopped either. The pedestrian was at least 20 ft. from our car when we passed the crosswalk. Even if she had run across the street, she would not have been near our car. As far as we know, she did not have to hesitate at all. If the PO had given my son a ticket, could we have mounted a defense?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
My son has his learner's permit. He is a very careful driver. Last week he was driving through a MA suburb with a 20 mph speed limit. About 1/2 mi. before an intersection, we noticed a Police Officer pulling out of the station parking lot. He followed at about 400 yards. Just as we entered the rural town center, we noticed traffic stopping on the opposite lane and then, about 5 feet from the crosswalk, we noticed a woman stepping into the road. My son decided it was too late to abruptly stop, so continued on. The PO waited about 10 seconds and then put on his lights. He made my son sweat for about 15 minutes and then gave him a warning. My question is - do you have to stop as soon as that pedestrian's foot hits the pavement? I don't think that I would have stopped either. The pedestrian was at least 20 ft. from our car when we passed the crosswalk. Even if she had run across the street, she would not have been near our car. As far as we know, she did not have to hesitate at all. If the PO had given my son a ticket, could we have mounted a defense?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?