Apparently Crosswalks Aren't Legally Binding

Twice in recent weeks, people crossing the street in crosswalks have been hit by cars with no repercussion for the drivers:

• Man in crosswalk seriously injured after being hit by driver in Warwick, RI at twilight without headlights on; driver not charged.
• A 71-year-old New Bedford woman was injured November 24 when she was struck by a car in the crosswalk while she was walking across County Street at Union Street, reported The New Bedford Standard-Times. No citation was issued to the driver, Capt. Dennis Hebert said. (No link available.)

What's the point of crosswalks if drivers can run over people using them and not get charged with anything?