How Ignoring Some Signs Poses Risks In Lafayette

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - Drivers in Lafayette are ignoring more than just red lights at busy intersections, they are also ignoring signs posted on businesses.

For years, we have noted here and on air that some drivers in Lafayette ignore red lights, and they continue to put your safety and your family's safety in jeopardy, but now it's time to address another violation some are committing in the "Hub City."

I previously reported here that some drivers in Lafayette are ignoring parking signs posted on buildings, and after a few more observations around the city, drivers continue to violate state law in city parking lots.

Have you ever pulled up to a business in Acadiana that is in or near a strip mall and seen vehicles parked right up against the curb, right in front of the business? If so, those are the drivers that we will address here.

Many of these businesses have signs posted that drivers are not allowed to park there because that area of the parking lot is reserved for fire trucks. Yes, the area in front of these businesses is a designated fire lane, yet some drivers continue to ignore these signs for their own convenience.

In the event of a fire or other emergency, this area near buildings and businesses needs to be accessible to responding personnel; however, some continue to park in fire lanes in Lafayette and other parts of Acadiana.

Sure, you may only be in and out of a store or restaurant for just a minute, but the time that you are in and occupying a fire lane can be crucial if there is an emergency in the area you are in. So, please stop parking up against the curbs in Lafayette, and let's be considerate to those who are occupying the businesses in the parking lot you are in.

I do hope that police and fire officials will one day address those who violate these fire lanes.

Penalty for Parking in Fire Lanes

Let's start with this, yes, police and fire marshals can give you a citation if you are parked in an area that is a designated fire lane. Signs must be present and visible for an area to be designated as a fire lane.

Fines vary by city, and according to Lafayette Consolidated Government, fines range from $40 to $100 if you are found in violation. Your vehicle is also subject to being towed.

Again, I share this to remind you that it is not safe to take a parking space reserved for emergency personnel. I know that we are all in a hurry these days, but that does not justify ignoring the no-parking signs posted on buildings.

Here's a look at the signs that indicate fire lanes in parking lots.

LOOK: You Will Love These Lafayette Street Names

Living in Lafayette, Louisiana, has tons of benefits, including the people, food, music, and the names of some of the streets. If you take a look around Lafayette, you will see some pretty interesting, fun, and sweet names for streets in our city.

In the Facebook group, Ask Lafayette, a man by the name of Chris White wrote, "There's actually a street here named 'Memory Lane'. It's fun to know we have an actual Memory Lane in Lafayette. It made us want to check out what other fun and interesting names we have for Lafayette streets.

Gallery Credit: Bernadette Lee