Obligations and rights of pedestrians and drivers

The streets and avenues are a space where drivers, their cars and pedestrians coexist. From January 1 to December 31, 2022, 4,181 traffic accidents were registered in Guayaquil, 234 deaths and 4,219 injuries, a reduction of 59 accidents was detected, but the number of fatalities increased to 52 cases compared to the year 2021.

Driving faster than the permitted speed, exceeding the maximum parking time/not paying for a space, invading the Metrovía lane, driving without a seat belt, and boarding and disembarking passengers in unauthorized places. that was five most common traffic violations in Guayaquil during 2022.

Most recurring traffic violations by drivers in Quito in 2022

To maintain a safe and peaceful environment, the country’s transit authorities have established obligations and rights that users, both pedestrians and drivers, must follow. The rules are established in the Organic Law of Land Transportation, Transit and Road Safety.

pedestrians

Article 198 states that pedestrian rights are:

• Have the necessary guarantees for safe transit.
• Have public roads free of obstacles and not invaded.
• Have adequate infrastructure and road signs that provide security.
• Have cross-road preference at all signal-regulated intersections when the green crosswalk light is on; all the time at zebra crossings.
• Have free movement on the sidewalks and in exclusive pedestrian areas.
• Receive adequate guidance from traffic agents on road signs, street locations and nominatives that regulate the movement of people and receive timely assistance from these and other citizens when necessary.

In addition, pedestrians must comply with their obligations. Article 199 details the following:

• Use public space without risking your safety, that of third parties or property.
• Refrain from requesting transportation or asking cars for help in inappropriate or prohibited places.
• Do not walk on the roadway of streets open to vehicular traffic.
• Do not cross the street at the front and rear of vehicles that have stopped momentarily.
• Take care of your own safety and that of others at all times.

drivers

Art. 271 of the General Regulations of the Ecuadorian Traffic Law states that “drivers will guide their vehicles with the utmost caution and prudence possible, in compliance with the provisions and indications of the traffic agent and in general with all the signs located in the public roads”.

On the other hand from Art. 270 to Art. 283 the specific responsibilities of all drivers are established.

• Drivers should always drive in the right lane, except in special cases as provided by law or those indicated by a traffic officer.
• They should slow down when pedestrians are nearby; drivers must not carry children under the age of 12 in the front seat.
• Users must obey the regulations on road safety.
• Drivers must ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians. While drivers have a high level of responsibility in case of accidents, the roads are still used by others who are not operating a motor vehicle, and it is important to remember that such users also have certain responsibilities. (YO)