The French Quarter is among the most popular attractions in New Orleans. It’s easy to understand why. The French Quarter is home to some of the city’s top restaurants, bars, shops, and historic sites.
However, as dynamic as the French Quarter can be, it can also be dangerous. This is naturally the case in any crowded environment. Additionally, many tourists who pack the French Quarter take advantage of New Orleans’ open container laws. While residents of the city may be accustomed to drinking in public safely, those who have less experience drinking in this environment can over-consume, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents and car accidents.
You’ll hopefully never be involved in such an incident. If you are, you can potentially at least seek compensation for your medical bills and other such losses by enlisting the help of a personal injury attorney.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of being involved in a French Quarter accident. They include the following:
Stay on the Sidewalk
Pedestrian accidents are relatively common in the French Quarter. There are several reasons they may occur. Often a combination of factors is to blame.
For example, a tourist who has perhaps had a little too much to drink may stray off the sidewalk or misjudge the proximity of a vehicle when trying to cross the road. A driver who is already struggling to navigate a busy and potentially distracting environment may be more likely to strike said pedestrian than they would in another area.
Thus, if you’re walking in the French Quarter, make a conscious effort to stay on the sidewalk at all times, and only cross the road when you’re absolutely certain it’s safe to do so.
Choose Another Route
Even if you’re a responsible driver, driving in an environment as busy as the French Quarter can increase your risk of being involved in an accident. If you can avoid driving in the French Quarter without adding too much extra time to your trip, do so. In a city like New Orleans, there are often many ways of reaching your destination.
Stay Away During Busy Times
Events such as Mardi Gras are, for many, among the top reasons to live in New Orleans. It’s entirely understandable if you want to head to the French Quarter to participate in celebrations.
However, many New Orleans residents have little to no interest in hanging around the French Quarter when it’s likely to be teeming with even more tourists than usual. If you’re one of them, pay attention to the calendar on any days when you have plans to visit the French Quarter. If you realize it’s a day that’s likely to attract a lot of tourist activity, consider rescheduling your plans for another day when the area won’t be as crowded.
Obey the Law
It may seem like an obvious point that doesn’t need to be made, but it’s imperative that you remember to abide by all traffic and pedestrian safety laws in the French Quarter. Even if you typically do make a genuine attempt to keep yourself and others safe, the celebratory, vibrant nature of the French Quarter can cause someone to let their guard down, engaging in dangerous behaviors they otherwise wouldn’t.
Remember, a trip to the French Quarter can and should be a pleasant experience. You simply need to take steps to prevent accidents in such a busy place. These tips will help.
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