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Pedestrian laws in Boca Raton are found in Florida Statute 316.130 and Florida Statute 316.075. Examples of the laws that are found in those statutes include:
- No pedestrian may jump or dive from a publicly owned bridge
- Pedestrians are subject to traffic signals at intersections
- Pedestrians crossing the roadway at any point other than within a marked or unmarked crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to the vehicles upon the roadway
- Pedestrians are required to keep to the right half of crosswalks.
Get in touch with a team of knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorneys from Kogan & DiSalvo for more insight into Boca Raton pedestrian laws.
Differences Between Cyclists and Pedestrians in Boca Raton
A bicyclist is not a pedestrian given its definition. However, pursuant to Florida Statute 316.2065 Section 9, a person propelling a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk or across a roadway upon and along the crosswalk has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.
Even though a bicyclist is not technically a pedestrian, a bicyclist often has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian. A bicyclist would also be considered a pedestrian in the limited situation where a bicyclist is involved in an accident with the motor vehicle.
Applying Traffic Laws to Pedestrians
Traffic laws apply equally to motorists and pedestrians. The rights of a motorist and a pedestrian are equal and reciprocal. Like motorists and bicyclists, pedestrians have a duty to follow the laws, to pay attention to the road, and to be insurers of their own safety.
These applications of traffic laws do not differ from those that apply to bikes or cars. The traffic laws apply equally to motorists and pedestrians, and their rights are equal and reciprocal. Just like motorists and bicyclists, pedestrians have a duty to follow Boca Raton pedestrian laws, to pay attention to the road, and to be an insurer of their own safety.
As a pedestrian, it is important to follow the traffic laws, because traffic laws are in place for the safety of all those who use the roads. The most important reason for a pedestrian to follow the traffic laws is for their own safety.
Negative Impact of Pedestrians Failing to Follow Traffic Laws
A pedestrian following or not following the Boca Raton pedestrian laws could impact a person’s case. Florida has the doctrine of comparative fault, which is codified in Florida Statute 768.81. The doctrine of comparative fault means that fault could be apportioned between several parties. If a pedestrian failed to follow traffic laws, they could be held liable for their own negligent conduct.
For example, if sidewalks are provided and a pedestrian chooses not to walk on it and is injured, a jury could reasonably find that a pedestrian is personally at fault for their injury. It is important for pedestrians to follow traffic laws and to take responsibility for their own safety and well-being because any injury is scrutinized to see whether the pedestrian was partially at fault for their own injury.
