Jaywalking

Hi, I’m Danny Karon your Lovable Lawyer. I’m here in New York City today and I thought it would be good to talk about something that a lot of us do that we shouldn’t – jaywalking.

Did you realize that every year there are approximately 76,000 pedestrian injuries by moving vehicles like cars, trucks, and motorcycles? In 2017 alone, there were about 6,000 pedestrian deaths. Five states account for half of those injuries and deaths – California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and right here in New York.

Those numbers are up because folks are on their cell phones – not just drivers but also walkers. Every state in the country except for Michigan has laws that make jaywalking illegal. Jaywalking laws require pedestrians to yield to vehicles if they are crossing the street outside the cross walk. In New York City, your fine for doing that could be up to $250.

Related to jaywalking laws are new laws called distracted walking laws. Those are laws that govern folks like me walking down the street on their cell phones – texting, Tweeting, Facebooking, Instagramming, or watching Your Lovable Lawyer videos on YouTube. Not only could you cause accidents on the street, you could hurt yourself by walking into a hole or a pole. We’ve all seen it and while it’s kind of funny, it’s also sad and scary at the same time. Fines for distracted walking can range from $100-$500 per infraction.

Jaywalking and distracted walking can cost you money and can also cost you your life. That’s today’s New York City shot of legal wellness. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and weekly newsletter. Be safe and well out there.