Right on Red at Intersections: A Huge Hazard for Florida Pedestrians
One of the most dangerous situations for a pedestrian in Florida is attempting to cross an intersection where vehicles are permitted to turn right on red, even where the pedestrian may have both a walk signal and a crosswalk, and thus the right of way. At intersections where they intend to turn right, many drivers simply pull right up to the light and completely ignore a crosswalk or the white lines at which cars are supposed to stop and wait for traffic (both motor vehicles and pedestrians) to clear before completing a turn on red. Many drivers just blow through red lights if they are turning right, putting nearby pedestrians in serious danger and causing pedestrian accidents.
Turning right on a red light at an intersection where such turns are permitted may be legal in Florida, but it is important to know when you can do so if you are a motorist given the hazards involved, particularly when there are pedestrians present. In addition, this is also a big safety issue for pedestrians to be aware of given that, at the end of the day, a careless motorist is not the one most likely to be hurt in such an encounter; a pedestrian is much more exposed and likely to suffer injuries or death in a collision between the pedestrian and a motor vehicle. A pedestrian is in the best position to ensure his or her own safety, so it pays to always be watching out for traffic because many Florida drivers ignore the law when it comes to making right turns on red.
Florida Law Relating to Turning Right on Red
Under Florida law, drivers are required to come to a complete stop at the solid white line that appears at every intersection before moving into a crosswalk or into the intersection to complete a turn at an intersection where a right turn on red is permitted. Drivers are then permitted to proceed in making the intended turn unless there is a “No right turn on red” sign. However, if an intersection has such a sign, then motorists are forbidden from turning right on red, regardless of whether traffic is clear or not.
As a Pedestrian, You Are in the Best Position to Ensure Your Own Safety
As a pedestrian, you are ultimately the one best positioned to ensure your own safety. Even if you have the right of way and a crosswalk, it is always best to pause before entering an intersection and look both ways before crossing the street, particularly where a right turn on red by motorists is permitted. Although it is unfortunate that Florida drivers often do not follow the law when it comes to this type of scenario, it is ultimately you as the pedestrian who will suffer the most as a result of a driver’s poor decision-making.
Contact the Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A.
Pedestrian accidents in Florida occur with dangerous regularity. This is particularly true at intersections where motorists are permitted to turn right on red. Unfortunately, the Sunshine State consistently ranks as the most dangerous state in the country for pedestrians. One particular hazard for pedestrians can be found at intersections where turning right on red is allowed for motorists. Regardless whether a pedestrian is obeying the law, following all applicable traffic signals and walking in designated crosswalks, it often happens that a motorist operating his or her vehicle negligently hits the pedestrian because the motorist simply blows through the red light at intersections where such turns are permitted. At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., our experienced personal injury attorneys have more than 150 years of combined legal practice representing victims of pedestrian accidents in Florida. If you are a pedestrian who has been injured due to the negligence of a Florida motorist, you have the right under Florida law to receive compensation for your injuries, including the payment for any medical treatment you need to undergo as a result of those injuries, compensation for your pain and suffering as a result of those injuries, and other damages. Therefore, if you, a family member, or a loved one have been injured or killed by a motor vehicle while walking on a Florida road, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A today at 877-694-6079 or contact@schwedlawfirm.com for a free consultation.