Statistics show that there is a rise in pedestrian vs car strikes nationwide. With Summer approaching more pedestrians will be out and about throughout Springfield. It is important to know and understand what your rigts are, obligations of the pedestrian and ordinances adopted by the state and the city.
It is understandable the many are in a hurry, especially during rush hour or right before or after work. And while we're all moving with a sense of urgency it's important to yield a few extra minutes when encountering a pedestrian.
Making Springfield Safer for Pedestrians: Key City Code Updates and Study Insights
In a continued effort to improve pedestrian safety and walkability, the City of Springfield has adopted three important updates to its City Code, alongside a comprehensive study of street and intersection safety. These steps aim to protect all road users—especially those on foot or using mobility devices—and move toward the goal of zero pedestrian fatalities.
1.
N
ew Crosswalk Rule: “The 3-Foot Rule”
Traditionally, Missouri law only required drivers to yield to pedestrians already in the crosswalk. However, Springfield City Council believes it’s safer for pedestrians to wait on the sidewalk until vehicles stop. That’s why a new local rule now requires drivers to yield to anyone within three feet of the edge of a crosswalk—even if they haven’t stepped into the street yet.
This rule helps ensure a person’s intention to cross is clear, while also accommodating individuals in wheelchairs. For cyclists, the rule applies only after they come to a full stop within the same three-foot zone.
2.
W
hite Cane Law Adopted Locally
While Missouri’s White Cane Law already protects visually impaired pedestrians across the state, Springfield has formally adopted the same language into its City Code. This move reinforces local commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Drivers are now clearly required to yield to individuals using a white cane or guide dog—even outside marked crosswalks. The law doesn’t encourage unsafe crossings but ensures added protection for those who may become disoriented and in need of assistance.
3.
R
ight-of-Way at Driveways and Alleys
Another important update emphasizes that drivers must yield to pedestrians and cyclists using sidewalks when crossing driveways or alleys. This holds true whether or not a painted crosswalk is present. It’s a small but critical rule to prevent collisions where people are often overlooked.
Pedestrian Safety Study: What We’ve Learned
Pr
ompted by a concerning rise in pedestrian deaths—five fatalities in the last year alone—Springfield launched a Street and Intersection Pedestrian Safety Study in partnership with CBB, a traffic engineering firm from St. Louis. This study builds on the 2017 launch of the SGF Yields campaign, which focused on pedestrian safety education.
Key Findings:
High-risk roads i
nclude those with:
Speeds over 35 mph
- Traffic volumes above 15,000 vehicles per day
- Narrow medians under 6 feet wide
- According to national safety guidelines, a minimum 6-foot median is essential to protect people in wheelchairs, pushing strollers, or crossing with limited mobility.
Recommendations:
To
reduce risk, pedestrians should only be present on roadways when:
They are in marked crosswalks or on sidewalks
- Temporary traffic controls (like signs or cones) are in place during events or maintenance
- They’re using low-speed, low-traffic shared streets
- Safe pedestrian refuges are available when crossing busy roads
- Building a Safer, More Walkable Springfield
With these updated city laws and new safety insights in hand, Springfield is taking measurable steps to make walking safer for everyone. Whether you're commuting on foot, using a mobility device, or pushing a stroller, the city is committed to creating streets where everyone can travel confidently and safely.