One of the fundamental principles in journalism schools around the world is that if a dog bites a man it is not news, but if the opposite happens it is, because it is unprecedented and worthy of being highlighted. This principle can be applied in different situations that are experienced daily in any city, such as the surprising case of a pedestrian who, after being hit by a car in Palencia, ended up being reported to the police.
The events occurred on December 26, at 6:20 p.m., in Palencia, when a car driven by a 36-year-old woman ran over a pedestrian who was crossing Madrid Avenue in the capital in an area not authorized for this, according to the police. Efe agency. The 52-year-old man was slightly injured.
However, the event took an unexpected turn when the agents who intervened in the accident verified that while the driver of the car tested negative in the alcohol test, the pedestrian returned a positive result of 0.65 mg/l. According to the information provided by the Palencia Local Police, the pedestrian was administratively reported for alcohol consumption, for crossing the road in an unauthorized place, for lack of respect for the officers and for threats.
The figure of the pedestrian is defined in the Traffic and Road Safety Law as the “person who, without being a driver, travels on foot on public roads.” Pedestrians are also considered those who push any other small non-motorized vehicle, such as a bicycle or an electric scooter, or people with reduced mobility who move in step with a wheelchair with or without a motor, indicates the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT).
Although we commonly have the perception that only those who drive can receive a traffic ticket, it is important to note that pedestrians can also be subject to penalties. This is stated in the Traffic Law, which establishes a series of regulations to regulate the behavior of pedestrians on public roads. Below we review some of the most common violations.
Pedestrian crossings are the safest places for pedestrians to cross a road, so you should always choose a crossing regulated by road markings, traffic lights or traffic agents. However, if there is no crossing, we must cross in the place where there is better visibility, that is, in the corners and trying to avoid crossing between parked vehicles.
The fine that a pedestrian can receive for crossing in an inappropriate place or for not ensuring that they can do so without risk or impeding traffic is 100 euros.
Running a red light is an infraction that we all associate with motorists. When we are pedestrians we have the perception that it is a normalized practice and that it is legal to do so. However, although a pedestrian is rarely penalized for crossing a street with a red light, it is a serious infraction that is associated with a fine of 200 euros.
On certain roads, such as highways and highways, pedestrian movement is prohibited. It is usually indicated with an information sign and failure to comply is punishable by a fine of up to 100 euros. Only in the event of an accident, breakdown, physical discomfort of its occupants or other emergency, will the driver or other occupant be able to exit the vehicle with the relevant reflective vest.
The General Traffic Regulations (RGC) indicate, in article 122, that whenever possible we must walk on the left side of the road or the shoulder when there is no authorized pedestrian zone.
“Outside the town, on all roads covered by the law, and in town sections included in the development of a road that does not have space specially reserved for pedestrians, as a general rule, their circulation will be on the left” , stipulates. Failure to do so is grounds for sanctioning us with up to 100 euros.
Likewise, the RGC establishes that “outside the town, between sunset and sunrise or in meteorological or environmental conditions that significantly reduce visibility, every pedestrian, when traveling on the road or shoulder, must be provided with a luminous element. or approved retroreflective.” Otherwise, the expected penalty is up to 100 euros.
In those cases where we must get out of the car, whether due to an accident, a breakdown or because we feel unwell, we must do so with the reflective vest on and put ourselves in a safe place. Not wearing this garment or improperly occupying the road or shoulder can result in a fine of 200 euros.
Like drivers, pedestrians are also required to undergo alcohol and drug testing when they are involved in an accident or have committed an infraction. Refusal entails a significant fine of 1,000 euros.
