In a situation where there are both pedestrians and vehicles, who typically has the ultimate right of way?

Pedestrians typically have the ultimate right of way in situations where there are both pedestrians and vehicles. This is primarily based on the principle that the safety of pedestrians is paramount, as they are more vulnerable compared to those in vehicles. Traffic laws in many jurisdictions, including Virginia, are designed to protect pedestrians, especially at marked crosswalks and intersections.

In practice, this means that vehicles must yield to pedestrians when they are in the crosswalk or if they are waiting to cross at an intersection. However, in instances where traffic lights are in place, the situation can become more complex, as the behavior of both pedestrians and vehicles may be influenced by the signals. Nonetheless, even with traffic lights, pedestrians often have the right of way when they have a "walk" signal, reinforcing their priority on the road.