What Are the Florida Traffic Laws Regarding Drivers Of Motor Vehicles In Relation to Pedestrians?

A: Although this list is not comprehensive, some of the Florida traffic laws applying to drivers of motor vehicles in relation to pedestrians  are the following (adapted from the Florida Department of Transportation website):

• Yield to pedestrians in an “unsignalized crosswalk”: drivers approaching any crosswalk (marked or unmarked) indicated by a sign must stop and remain stopped when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk and is in “the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling” or when the pedestrian is in the opposite half but appears to be approaching in such a manner that may cause danger to the pedestrian.  In the absence of a sign or control signal, drivers must yield to pedestrians using crosswalks who are on the half of the roadway the vehicle is on or when the pedestrian’s approach from the other half of the roadway poses danger for the pedestrian.
• Yield to vehicles that are stopped for pedestrians:  vehicles must not overtake or pass other vehicles that are stopped to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
• Stop for all visually impaired or “mobility-impaired” pedestrians: drivers must bring their vehicles to a complete stop before arriving at an intersection or “place of crossing” in which a pedestrian is crossing with a dog guide or carrying a white cane or walking stick in an extended position.  The driver is also obligated to take all precautions to avoid injuring the impaired pedestrian.  The same law applies to drivers who encounter a mobility-impaired person crossing a roadway.
• Avoid standing or parking a vehicle “within 20 feet of an intersection crosswalk”:  no one shall stand or park a car or other vehicle “within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection,” except when directed by a police officer or traffic control device or when necessary to avoid collisions with other vehicles.

Although all of these laws are important, they are not the only ones applying to drivers concerning pedestrians.  For more information on Florida traffic laws and metro Ft. Lauderdale accidents, request your free copy of David Benenfeld’s auto accident book, 7 Deadly Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Auto Accident Case.  If you have been injured in a Dade, Palm Beach, or Broward County pedestrian accident and have questions regarding liability, fault, your rights, or how to obtain compensation for medical bills and other expenses, contact David Benenfeld online or by phone for free answers and advice.