Operation of motor scooters hwy safety

Have you noticed an increasing number of elderly and disabled people using powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters on the hwy? Drivers and pedestrians need to follow the rules of the Highway Code, whether using a sidewalk or the highway.

When on the road, drive with due care and attention, always traveling in the direction of the traffic, obeying traffic signs and signals. Give way to pedestrians who are crossing at junctions or pedestrian crossings.
Watch out for obstructions in the road ahead, such as drains, pot-holes and parked cars. When passing parked cars, watch out for doors being opened in your path or the vehicle moving off without indicating.
Bear in mind that other drivers may not be able to see you easily. As a class 3 vehicle driver, you are in a similarly vulnerable position to cyclists, especially at roundabouts and junctions.

LOUISIANA HWY CODE  Operation of motor scooters :

1. Any parish or municipal governing authority may authorize the operation of motor scooters at a speed not to exceed twenty miles per hour by persons eight years old or older between sunrise and sunset on any sidewalk under its jurisdiction.
   
2. With regard to any motor scooter used pursuant to Subsection A of this Section, no parent, guardian, or person with legal responsibility for the safety and welfare of a child shall knowingly allow such child under the age of eighteen to operate or ride as a passenger on a motor scooter without wearing an approved helmet of good fit fastened securely upon the head with the straps of the helmet.
   
3. Notice shall be provided in accordance with the following provisions:
   • A person regularly engaged in the business of selling or renting motor scooters shall post a sign stating the following:  "Louisiana law requires a motor scooter operator or passenger under the age of eighteen years to wear a  helmet when riding a motor scooter."
   • The sign must be at least twenty-four inches in length and twelve inches in width.  The lettering on the sign must be at least one inch in height.  The sign must be posted conspicuously so that it is clearly visible to all persons buying or renting motor scooters.
4. The issuance of a citation for a violation of this Section shall not be prima facie evidence of negligence.  The comparative negligence statutes of Louisiana shall apply in these cases as in all other cases of negligence.

Acts 2004, No. 805, §1.
SOURCE RS 32:200: http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?doc=285105