Latest Update on the Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Accident in Apple Valley: Investigation Ongoing
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA—On the evening of Friday, May 17, 2024, a vehicle versus pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of 140th Street West and Cedar Avenue in Apple Valley, Minnesota. The incident occurred around 10 PM and involved a truck and a bicyclist.
According to initial reports, the driver was traveling eastbound on 140th Street West and had stopped in the left turn lane for a red light at Cedar Avenue. When the left turn arrow turned green, the driver turned left, heading northbound on Cedar Avenue. At this moment, a bicyclist suddenly appeared in front of the truck. The driver was unable to stop in time, resulting in a collision. The bicyclist sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for leg pain. The extent of the injuries is not yet fully known.
Investigators are still working to determine the status of the traffic light and crosswalk signal at the time of the accident.
Understanding Pedestrian Crossing Laws
Minnesota Statute 169.21 Subd. 2a provides clear guidelines regarding pedestrian crossings, particularly when traffic-control signals are not in place or operational. Under this statute, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection without marked crosswalks. However, pedestrians also have a responsibility to avoid suddenly entering the path of a vehicle, making it impossible for the driver to yield safely.
For pedestrians, it is essential to:
Wait for a gap in traffic before crossing, as drivers are not required to stop for pedestrians who are not yet in the roadway.
Increase visibility by wearing reflective and bright clothing.
Avoid distractions and remain aware of their surroundings.
Use sidewalks and trails when available.
Ensure children do not play in the street.
For drivers, the statute mandates:
Stopping for pedestrians at any intersection crossing, regardless of crosswalk markings, until the pedestrian has passed the lane in which the vehicle is stopped.
Using extreme caution when passing stopped or parked vehicles, as they may be yielding to pedestrians.
Look both ways before turning, particularly for right turns, to check for pedestrian crossings.
At Traffic Signals
Both pedestrians and drivers must obey traffic signals. Pedestrians should always press the pedestrian push button before crossing and adhere to the signals displayed:
A "walk" or walking person symbol indicates it is safe to begin crossing.
A flashing "don't walk" or hand symbol means pedestrians may continue crossing if they have already started but should not begin crossing.
A steady "don't walk" or hand symbol means pedestrians should not be in the crosswalk.
Drivers must always stop at red lights before the crosswalk and yield to any pedestrians in the crosswalk if turning right on red.
Written by: Will Wight
Cover Photo Credit: Cover Photo by Max Fleischmann on Unsplash
