Madera motorists must always yield to vulnerable pedestrians on local streets. What’s more, in California, drivers are expected to show extra care when a pedestrian with a vision impairment is crossing the street.
Drivers should always look for the signs that someone is blind and slow down or stop their vehicles so there’s no chance for a collision.
Protecting Blind Pedestrians in Madera County
Pedestrians face a lot of challenges trying to walk across Madera and remain safe and secure. Now, imagine having to navigate lines of careless drivers and their fast-moving SUVs with impaired vision. Some pedestrians have to rely on a white cane, audio cues, and a service animal to avoid a devastating impact.
Drivers at busy intersections such as Schnoor Street and Cleveland Avenue are actually supposed to take extra care with all pedestrians. They must monitor for anyone ready to enter a crosswalk and slow down when approaching someone on foot. That includes slowing down for walkers who may not be using a crosswalk.
California vehicle codes provide additional protections for blind pedestrians and additional penalties for accidents.
The dangers are hard to ignore. It’s why state lawmakers ask for extra care for blind pedestrians and why they enforce harsher penalties for drivers who cause accidents.
State law explains the two signs drivers might see that indicate a pedestrian is dealing with a disability:
“A totally or partially blind pedestrian who is carrying a predominantly white cane (with or without a red tip), or using a guide dog, shall have the right-of-way…”
A white cane or a guide dog may be a sure sign that a pedestrian may need extra time to get across an intersection. Drivers should slow down or stop, even if a light has turned green. Motorists must be ready to wait longer if necessary for a pedestrian to safely traverse an intersection.
Are There Additional Penalties for Hitting a Blind Pedestrian?
Yes. California drivers who strike a blind pedestrian can face a criminal charge that comes with bigger fines and even jail time. It’s hoped that a bigger punishment leads drivers to pay more attention at crosswalks and anywhere they may encounter a pedestrian with vision impairment.
California Vehicle Code explains that drivers striking blind pedestrians face:
- A misdemeanor, a criminal charge
- Up to six months in jail
- A fine between $500 and $1,000 plus court fees
- Additional charges related to harming or killing a pedestrian
Contact a Madera Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you are seriously injured after being hit by a reckless driver, don’t wait to explore your options. Take action so your Madera Pedestrian Accident Lawyer has time to collect fresh evidence and track down witnesses for testimony.
Contact Maison Law for a free consultation after any injury involving a pedestrian accident anywhere in Madera County. Our case reviews are confidential and come with no obligation. If you decide we can help you earn more for your injury, you won’t need to have any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement money you are awarded.
