West Virginia · Handbook chapter 7 · 3 min read

Chapter 7: Sharing the road

Pedestrians, school buses, tailgaters, headlights, motorcycles, slow vehicles, heavy trucks and the No-Zone, animal riders, bicycles, joggers, children, public buses and mobility-impaired parking in West Virginia.

Why this chapter matters

Pedestrian crashes account for nearly 20 percent of traffic deaths, and many crashes with trucks and motorcycles happen because drivers do not expect them.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks, when crossing a sidewalk at a driveway or alley, and when blind with a cane or guide dog. Pedestrians must use crosswalks, walk on the left facing traffic where there is no sidewalk, wear light colors at night and stay off interstates.

School buses

Traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights on all highways, streets, parking lots and private roads. Only on interstates may traffic on the other side of the median keep going. Passing a stopped bus brings at least a 60-day suspension and a $500 fine or up to six months in jail.

Tailgaters and headlights

• If tailgated, tap your brakes, slow down to let the driver pass, or pull over.
• The night fatal crash rate is three times the daytime rate.
• Dim within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle and 200 feet of one you follow; use low beams in fog; never drive on parking lights.
• Headlights on from sunset to sunrise and whenever you cannot see 500 feet.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are hard to see, can stop faster than cars and need the whole lane. Keep at least three to four seconds back. When passing, move fully into the other lane and wait until you are well past before returning.

Slow vehicles and trucks

• Slow-moving vehicles carry an orange triangle.
• Heavy trucks weigh about 80,000 pounds. Loaded at 55 mph they need about three times a car's stopping distance.
• If you cannot see the truck driver in the side mirror, you are in the No-Zone.
• After passing a truck, allow about two seconds (four to six when wet) before moving back in. Never cut off or brake suddenly in front of a truck, and never pass on the right during its turn.

Animal riders, bicycles and joggers

• Never sound your horn near a horse. Riders may not use interstates.
• Slow down and leave plenty of room when passing bicyclists; wait if traffic is coming. Dim your lights for oncoming cyclists.
• Bicycles need a red rear reflector, working brakes, a bell audible for 100 feet and, at night, a headlight visible for 500 feet.
• Watch for joggers on curves and hills, and for children in neighborhoods and near schools.

Public buses and accessible parking

You do not have to stop for a public bus, but watch for passengers crossing. Only vehicles with a mobility-impaired placard or plate may use designated spaces.