Staying Safe During Wilkes-Barre’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The annual Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick’s Day Parade draws thousands of residents and visitors downtown each year. Streets along the parade route become crowded with pedestrians and vehicles navigating road closures. While the event is meant to be fun and festive, large crowds and traffic congestion can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.

Our Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorneys at Munley Law are well-equipped to help victims of pedestrian accidents during St. Patrick’s Day. We can advocate for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Some of our recent settlements for pedestrians have included verdicts of $3.5 million, $2.8 million, and $2 million.

Why Parade Days Create Unique Pedestrian Risks

Parade days typically bring heavy foot traffic and congested sidewalks. Large crowds gather near the parade route, including small children and animals. Pedestrians often step off curbs or cross streets unexpectedly. In these chaotic conditions, divers have limited visibility when moving through crowded areas. 

Parades also shut down streets and cause drivers to take temporary detours that they are unfamiliar with. Those who are not native to the Wilkes-Barre area can also experience heightened stress with unfamiliar routes and detours. These detours can also direct cars into pedestrian-heavy areas.

Drivers are often distracted or impaired on parade days. While trying to avoid pedestrians, drivers are distracted by crowds, decorations, or navigation apps, and they might have consumed alcohol that day. 

On top of driver attention, pedestrian attention is reduced. People are focused on watching the parade, taking photos, and talking with neighbors. They’re not always paying attention to the cars on the road. Children moving through the crowds create additional danger, especially if a child is unsupervised.

Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents During Public Events

During parades, drivers often fail to yield at crosswalks or temporary crossings. This leads to vehicle-pedestrian collisions at intersections. 

Accidents frequently occur in parking areas or side streets as well. Vehicles can strike pedestrians when backing out of temporary parking spots or garages. 

Since there is so much traffic on parade days, people tend to order a ride from a rideshare app. This still causes congestion at popular pickup and drop-off spots near the parade route. 

Not related to cars and other vehicles, just being in a crowd poses some risks, including tripping hazards, uneven pavement, and the danger of being accidentally pushed into the street.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians Attending the Parade

To stay safe during the parade, follow our tips:

• Plan your route in advance. Review parade maps and road closures, so you are not panicking while driving or walking on the day of the parade.
• Stay visible and alert near traffic. Before crossing an intersection, make eye contact with drivers. Cross at intersections whenever possible, and avoid stepping into the street between parked cars. 
• Supervise children closely. Hold their hands near intersections and set a meeting point in case you become separated.
• Limit distractions. Put your phone away when crossing the street. Be aware of emergency vehicles and parade equipment. 
• Be mindful after the parade ends. The crowd will disperse quickly, and regular traffic will resume. Drivers may also speed to exit the parade area to “avoid the rush.”

Safety Responsibilities for Drivers on Parade Day

If you are driving on parade day, follow these tips to avoid collisions and other accidents:

• Follow posted detours and temporary traffic signs. Police officers and traffic personnel should be present to direct traffic.

• Reduce speed in pedestrian areas. Even slow-speed collisions can cause serious injuries. 

• Watch for sudden pedestrian movement. Pedestrians can be unpredictable, especially children. Be especially careful around bars, restaurants and parking lots. 

• Avoid driving while impaired or distracted. While alcohol is commonly consumed to celebrate different events, driving while impaired increases the risk of collisions and other accidents. Sober driving is very important, especially on holidays.

What to Do If a Pedestrian Accident Happens

If an accident happens, seek medical attention immediately. Injuries such as concussions or internal trauma may not appear right away. Next, report the incident to local law enforcement and obtain an accident report. At large city-wide events like holiday parades, there are typically many law enforcement officers present. 

Gather your own evidence, including photos of the scene, vehicle, and surroundings. Get the contact information of people who witnessed the accident. Avoid speaking with insurance companies without legal guidance from Munley Law. Insurers may attempt to minimize or deny the claims.

Understanding Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Law

It is a driver’s duty to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, according to the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. Potential liability after an accident usually involves negligent drivers and sometimes business or property owners if hazardous conditions contributed to the accident. 

There may be multiple types of compensation available after your accident including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and ongoing rehabilitation costs. 

How Munley Law Pedestrian Injury Lawyers Can Help

Here at Munley Law, we can help you after your pedestrian accident at a parade. We can investigate the cause of the accident by reviewing police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements. We can also handle insurance negotiations and build a strong personal injury claim. And if necessary, we will gladly represent you in court. 

The Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a long-standing tradition and an important community event. However, large events like these with heavy foot traffic can lead to collisions and other accidents. Our local Wilkes-Barre personal injury attorneys are here to assist if you are the victim of a pedestrian accident. Contact us today.