In a marked crosswalk for pedestrians, who has the right of way? Is it the responsibility of the pedestrian to wait until traffic has come to a halt, or can they proceed to cross and trust that traffic must slow?

Also, if on McNeese Street and Ryan Street the state lowers traffic speeds at elementary and high school areas, can they do so around McNeese State University — if not all day, at least during the same hours as other school zones?

Pedestrians have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. But state law says they shouldn’t “suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.”

Additionally, the law directs drivers to “exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway” and calls on them to use their horns to warn inattentive walkers.

Pedestrians who cross at points other than crosswalks must yield the right of way to vehicles on the road.

Steve Jiles, head of the state Department of Transportation and Development’s regional office, said the speed zone criteria take into account the differences in class times and maturity levels between undergraduates and younger students.

Children walking to and from an elementary, middle or high school cross streets twice a day, and usually with the aid of crossing guards, he said. But university students cross at random times and on their own, Jiles said.

“Our current policy is to post warning signs and school speed zones at elementary, middle and high schools where established crossing movements take place,” he wrote in an email.

He said the 35 mph speed limit on Ryan and McNeese streets is “considered appropriate for the conditions which exist” and that “no further reduction during certain time periods is considered necessary.”

Online: www.legis.state.la.us.

Mint still makes 50-cent pieces

Does the U.S. government still mint half dollars?

Yes.

In its earliest days, the coin — which features President John F. Kennedy — contained mostly silver. Today it’s made of copper and nickel, and is produced in small quantities, mostly for collectors.

Before Kennedy, the half dollar featured Benjamin Franklin.

Online: catalog.usmint.gov; www.money.org.

The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098, press 5 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com

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