Louisiana Traffic Law: Turning a Vehicle Right or Left on Red
Donald D'Aunoy • July 20, 2023
A vehicle turning right at an intersection when facing a solid red light may do so after stopping completely and if there are no signs indicating that the right turn or right U-turn is impermissible. La. R.S. 23: 232(3)(c).
A vehicle may also turn left when facing a solid red light as long as no signs prohibit otherwise; it stops before executing the turn; and, it is turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. La. R.S. 23:232(3)(c). The logic behind this rule is that by turning left from a one-way street onto another one-way street, there is less danger of being hit by oncoming traffic when turning; in this situation, a driver only has to worry about oncoming traffic coming from her right when making the left turn. Typically, however, left-hand turns are dangerous because crossing multiple lanes of oncoming traffic is involved, which requires a higher standard of care when turning left.
Drivers violating the above rules regardless of whether the violation results in an accident are subject to disregarding traffic signal tickets and improper turn tickets. Both violations could result in fines and increased car insurance premiums. For example, as of December 2022, the fine in Jefferson Parish for failure to yield or stop at a red light was $193.75.
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In today’s fast-paced world, the urge to stay connected at all times can lead to dangerous consequences, especially when it comes to texting while driving . This act, seemingly harmless for those who believe they can multitask , has proven to be a significant cause of accidents on the road . As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans , I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that a moment’s distraction can have on lives and families. This blog post aims to shed light on the real dangers of texting while driving and why it’s a risk not worth taking . The Reality of Distracted Driving Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving that has garnered national attention due to its high potential for causing accidents. When drivers take their eyes off the road to send a text, they are not just diverting their visual attention but also their manual and cognitive focus away from driving. This triple threat significantly increases the likelihood of an accident. Studies have shown that texting while driving can delay a driver’s reaction time as much as alcohol consumption. The reality is stark: drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash than those who don’t. The Legal Implications in Louisiana In Louisiana, the law is clear: texting while driving is illegal. This legislation reflects a growing awareness of the dangers associated with mobile phone use behind the wheel. As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, I have navigated the complexities of Louisiana’s distracted driving laws to advocate for victims of such negligence. The legal system in our state recognizes the severe risks posed by texting and driving, imposing penalties on those who disregard this law. However, beyond the legal consequences, the real cost of texting while driving can be measured in human lives — the injuries and fatalities that could have been avoided. The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer When accidents caused by texting while driving occur, the victims often face a long road to recovery. Physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens are common aftermaths. As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, my role is to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Through meticulous investigation and leveraging Louisiana’s distracted driving laws, I work to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. My commitment to my clients goes beyond legal representation; it’s about restoring their peace of mind and helping them rebuild their lives. Conclusion The dangers of texting while driving are clear, and the consequences are too severe to ignore. It’s a societal issue that requires collective action — from stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws to individuals committing to never text and drive. As a community, we must prioritize safety over convenience to prevent needless accidents and loss of life. If you or a loved one has been affected by a distracted driving accident, know that you are not alone. As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, I am here to offer the legal support and guidance needed to navigate the aftermath of such incidents. In conclusion, texting while driving is a dangerous practice that puts everyone on the road at risk. The momentary satisfaction of sending a text is never worth the potential for causing harm. Let’s commit to keeping our roads safe by keeping our phones down and our focus on the road ahead. If you find yourself in need of assistance or legal advice following a distracted driving accident , do not hesitate to reach out to a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans who can help protect your rights and interests.
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In today’s fast-paced world, the urge to stay connected at all times can lead to dangerous consequences, especially when it comes to texting while driving . This act, seemingly harmless for those who believe they can multitask , has proven to be a significant cause of accidents on the road . As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans , I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that a moment’s distraction can have on lives and families. This blog post aims to shed light on the real dangers of texting while driving and why it’s a risk not worth taking . The Reality of Distracted Driving Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving that has garnered national attention due to its high potential for causing accidents. When drivers take their eyes off the road to send a text, they are not just diverting their visual attention but also their manual and cognitive focus away from driving. This triple threat significantly increases the likelihood of an accident. Studies have shown that texting while driving can delay a driver’s reaction time as much as alcohol consumption. The reality is stark: drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash than those who don’t. The Legal Implications in Louisiana In Louisiana, the law is clear: texting while driving is illegal. This legislation reflects a growing awareness of the dangers associated with mobile phone use behind the wheel. As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, I have navigated the complexities of Louisiana’s distracted driving laws to advocate for victims of such negligence. The legal system in our state recognizes the severe risks posed by texting and driving, imposing penalties on those who disregard this law. However, beyond the legal consequences, the real cost of texting while driving can be measured in human lives — the injuries and fatalities that could have been avoided. The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer When accidents caused by texting while driving occur, the victims often face a long road to recovery. Physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens are common aftermaths. As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, my role is to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Through meticulous investigation and leveraging Louisiana’s distracted driving laws, I work to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. My commitment to my clients goes beyond legal representation; it’s about restoring their peace of mind and helping them rebuild their lives. Conclusion The dangers of texting while driving are clear, and the consequences are too severe to ignore. It’s a societal issue that requires collective action — from stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws to individuals committing to never text and drive. As a community, we must prioritize safety over convenience to prevent needless accidents and loss of life. If you or a loved one has been affected by a distracted driving accident, know that you are not alone. As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, I am here to offer the legal support and guidance needed to navigate the aftermath of such incidents. In conclusion, texting while driving is a dangerous practice that puts everyone on the road at risk. The momentary satisfaction of sending a text is never worth the potential for causing harm. Let’s commit to keeping our roads safe by keeping our phones down and our focus on the road ahead. If you find yourself in need of assistance or legal advice following a distracted driving accident , do not hesitate to reach out to a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans who can help protect your rights and interests.
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