Pedestrian Safety at Louisiana Festivals
In New Orleans and throughout South Louisiana we are blessed with a multitude of festivals, concerts, sporting events and countless other diversions that draw major crowds. Unfortunately, with large crowds also come injuries from vehicle/pedestrian collisions and pedestrian accident injuries.
As a pedestrian, you are entitled to great deference when crossing a roadway within a crosswalk.
If no traffic control signals are present, drivers are required to stop and yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk. However, a pedestrian cannot suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that is impossible for the driver to yield.
As a pedestrian crossing a crosswalk, your duty is to make sure that any oncoming vehicle would be able to yield should it be necessary for it do so.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Driving Through Crowded Areas
Pedestrian right of way becomes especially important during festival season and when other crowded events are ongoing. When navigating through a crowded area drivers are required to exercise more caution than the law might normally require.
For example, driving the posted speed has been found to be excessive where large pedestrian crowds are present, and a driver may be liable for colliding with a pedestrian regardless of whether or not that pedestrian is within a crosswalk.
Pedestrians Must Exercise Caution to Remain Safe
Remember, it is a pedestrian’s duty to remain a proper lookout and not put him or herself in a position where a driver cannot avoid him, but the operator of a vehicle has a greater duty and generally must yield to a pedestrian the right-of-way.
If you are injured as a pedestrian you should not hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure that your rights are protected. III
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
