A pedestrian is considered a “vulnerable road user” under Florida law. This is because they are especially susceptible to serious bodily injury and even death if they are hit by an automobile. In the event of a crash, pedestrians & other non-auto travelers are generally not as protected as those traveling in a vehicle. A pedestrian or non-auto traveler is typically not surrounded or encased by a physical barrier like a driver of an automobile, and therefore is much more likely to get hurt when up against vehicles, immovable objects and the road itself.

Other “vulnerable road users” besides pedestrians include:

• Cyclists and moped or scooter operators
• Persons riding animals
• Persons on farm tractors
• Persons on skates/skateboards
• Horse-drawn carriages
• Persons operating wheelchairs or other assistive mobility devices