Pedestrians travel California streets at tremendous risk to their wellbeing when having to confront vehicle traffic. They are defenseless in any collision. These hazards are only magnified for someone on foot who has a visual impairment.
It’s of vital importance that California drivers know what to do when a blind pedestrian approaches a crosswalk.
California Protections for Blind Pedestrians
California law assesses stiff fines from drivers who neglect their duties in crosswalks and in any situation where they encounter pedestrians and don’t take proper caution. There are additional fines and the possibility of jail time for motorists who ignore these laws while a walker with a visual impairment is attempting to cross a street.
California Vehicle Code 21963. “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, and the driver of any vehicle approaching this pedestrian, who fails to yield the right-of-way, or to take all reasonably necessary precautions to avoid injury to this blind pedestrian, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. This section shall not preclude prosecution under any other applicable provision of law.”
Driver Guidelines When Blind Pedestrians Approach Crosswalks
The California DMV Driver Handbook outlines some other important guidelines when spotting a blind pedestrian at a crosswalk:
- Blind pedestrians rely on the sound of the pedestrian signal at crosswalks to safely navigate a crossing. They also rely on the sound of vehicles to know they are nearby. For the drivers of hybrid and electric vehicles, it’s important to realize that the pedestrian may not be able to hear your engine. Drivers must show caution and be prepared to come to a full stop when seeing a blind pedestrian.
- When blind people pull their canes close to their bodies it usually signals that they are allowing motorists to proceed. All drivers should slow down and pay enough attention to spot this sort of signal.
- Always stop at least five feet away from the crosswalk. A pedestrian with a visual impairment may not be able to tell when a vehicle is sitting in the crosswalk.
- Do not try to give verbal help to a pedestrian as they cross in front of you. Don’t honk your horn.
- Allow extra time for a blind pedestrian to safely cross a street.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Serving California Victims
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a careless driver please contact a California Pedestrian Accident Attorney. You should make absolutely sure you know your rights and all the benefits available to you and your family.
Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, fights to earn every bit of compensation available for victims so they have what they need to get back on their feet physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact Maison Law for a free and confidential case consultation.
