All drivers in Turlock must exercise a “duty of care” to ensure the safety of a blind pedestrian. Blind pedestrians are protected by the “White Cane Law” under California Vehicle Code Section 21963. This law mandates drivers to exercise extreme caution and yield the right-of-way to blind pedestrians traveling with a white cane or guide dog. Any violation of this law will result in a misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of 6 months in jail with a maximum fine of $1000.
How Blind Pedestrians Approach an Intersection
By law, blind or visually impaired pedestrians can travel and cross streets using a human guide, a white cane, or a guide dog. For drivers, knowing how a blind pedestrian approaches an intersection can help them recognize when a blind person is about to cross the street and avoid accidents. Street crossing for blind pedestrians is comprised of:
- Locating the Street: blind pedestrians use a combination of the slope of the curb ramp, the sound of traffic, and detectable warnings to determine when they reach the street.
- Street Recognition: street names are usually memorized by the blind pedestrian by using a mental map or by asking assistance from other pedestrians.
- Intersection assessment: blind pedestrians can understand information about an intersection by determining the location of the crosswalk, the direction of the opposite corner, the width of the street to be crossed, a whether or not there is a median in the middle of the road. Vehicular sounds also indicate the size, shape, and traffic stream of an intersection.
Tips for Turlock Drivers Around Blind Pedestrians
Drivers encountering a blind pedestrian should exercise extreme caution and prioritize the pedestrian’s safety. This includes coming to a complete stop and not resuming their speed until the blind pedestrian is safely out of the street. The following are tips drivers can follow when driving near blind pedestrians:
- Do not honk: honking will most likely scare them and make their street crossing seem more dangerous.
- Do not black the sidewalk at driveways: having to walk around a vehicle can be incredibly challenging for a blind pedestrian, so it’s best not to impede any crosswalks or driveways
- Do not turn right on red: blind pedestrians will not know a vehicle is attempting to take a right turn at an intersection, so it is best practice to avoid turning right on red when there is a blind pedestrian crossing.
- Avoid split-second stops at intersections with stop sigs: if a blind pedestrian is at the intersection, do not attempt to stop briefly and continue driving. Failing to wait for a blind pedestrian can lead to a serious accident. The sound of your engine revving through an intersection while a blind person is crossing could create confusion for the blind pedestrian.
Blind Pedestrian Rights in Turlock
California has laws to protect pedestrians walking along sidewalks, crossing intersections, or using the street, especially if they have impaired vision. According to California Vehicle Code 21950, all drivers in California are required to yield to pedestrians crossing a roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. This affords pedestrians protection when walking near or across traffic. Other rights afforded to pedestrians include:
- Sidewalk Precedence: Vehicles turning into parking lots or driveways must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk.
- Signal Compliance: Drivers, as well as bicyclists, must adhere to traffic signals to allow pedestrians safe crossing at intersections.
A violation of these laws is not only illegal, but it also gives you the right to pursue compensation for damages if you’re injured in a pedestrian accident. At Maison Law, we protect your right to compensation if you’ve been injured due to a driver’s carelessness on the road. If you need to recover financial costs quickly and efficiently, we can help. Fill out a free, no-obligation case review today to see what legal options are available to you.
Can Blind Pedestrian Be Charged With Jaywalking in Turlock?
Jaywalking in California is illegal. However, blind pedestrians cannot be charged with jaywalking. Jaywalking is mostly a common term used to describe ways pedestrians cross the street that may be against the law. Jaywalking is often considered:
- Crossing the street when there is no crosswalk
- Crossing the street outside of a crosswalk
- Crossing the street where there isn’t an intersection
- Ignoring traffic signs instructing pedestrians not to cross
- Ignoring street lights that say “Don’t Walk”
However, blind pedestrians always have the right-of-way, and cannot be charged with jaywalking. As long as they have a white cane, or seeing eye dog with them, drivers must yield to blind pedestrians no matter where they are attempting to cross the street.
Contact a Turlock Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Maison Law represents blind pedestrians injured at Turlock crosswalks. Blind pedestrians are the most vulnerable people on the road, and we understand the enormous medical costs and sudden life changes you’re forced to bear after an accident of this magnitude. Fortunately, we’re here to help.
At Maison Law, we help injured pedestrians get their lives back on track by providing them with immediate medical resources and legal representation to recover the maximum amount of compensation for their damages. Don’t wait to take legal action today. Fill out a complimentary case review today and take the next step toward getting your life back on track.
