There’s nothing quite like the magic of twinkling Christmas lights. But for city officials in Plantation, Florida, Christmas lights are a stark reminder of a prolonged fight, nearly $500,000 in court fees, and continued drama. In 2014, Plantation sued residents Mark and Kathy Hyatt for their “Hyatt Extreme Christmas” lights display, claiming it was a “public nuisance.” Each year, the Hyatts decorated their yard with more than 200,000 lights, snow, a Christmas tree, a Nativity scene, a functioning Ferris wheel, and more. Their creation was featured on two nationally televised programs and attracted flocks of visitors. But, for the Hyatt’s neighbors, extreme didn’t even begin to explain the chaos. Neighbors complained to the city about increased traffic, litter in their yards, and potential injury or death to pedestrians due to the traffic. Police officers in Plantation were dispatched to the light display multiple times each season for complaints by neighbors, accidents, and traffic control. LIGHTS OUT FLORIDA CITY BATTLES TO END ‘EXTREME’ LIGHTS DISPLAY
After a two-year battle in court, a judge ruled in favor of the Hyatts, claiming the city could not prove the display was dangerous or a nuisance. The city had spent nearly half a million dollars fighting their case. For the Hyatts, Christmas 2016 was a celebration, though their display was restrained due to the timing of the court’s decision. By 2017, “Hyatt Extreme Christmas” was in full swing again, much to their neighbors’ chagrin. Mark Hyatt rode the wave of support for his display all the way to a vacant seat on the Plantation City Council in 2016, but the highs would soon stop there. Plantation news outlets reported in 2018 that Mark Hyatt filed for divorce, effectively ending any hope of another “Hyatt Extreme Christmas.”
As the snow has settled, an extravagant lights display has instead become a story of nasty court battles with a sad ending for the Hyatts and their “extreme” Christmas devotees. KNOW THE BASICS TO PREVENT PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
Driving while intoxicated
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) reports that each year, nearly 5,000 pedestrians die in motor vehicle-related accidents , and approximately 76,000 pedestrians in 2012 suffered injuries when hit by a car or truck. These accidents can occur when pedestrians
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• Walking while under the influence of drugs or alcohol WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE INJURED AS A PEDESTRIAN? So what happens if you’re injured? Can you sue someone for your injuries? It depends. To receive compensation for your injuries, you have to show that someone else caused the accident that led to your injuries. In most cases, this means you have to show that someone else was negligent. Motor vehicle drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian on a roadway. If a driver fails to exercise due care (by, for example, texting while driving) and collides with a pedestrian, the driver is probably negligent. In some cases, the accident might be partially the driver’s fault and partially the pedestrian’s fault. California follows the theory of modified comparative fault. This means that a plaintiff’s damages are reduced by their percentage of fault. What’s more, if the plaintiff was more than 50% at fault, they’re prohibited from recovering any damages.
attempt to cross highways. 10 WALKING SAFETY TIPS
8. Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials at night. Alternatively, use a flashlight. 9. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots. 10. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment. COMMON CAUSES OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS The majority of pedestrian accidents happen because motor vehicle drivers are focused on other cars (or their smartphones). However, pedestrians can cause pedestrian accidents, as well. Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents.
1. Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals. 2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. 3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible. 4. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road. 5. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. 6. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely and continue watching for traffic as you cross.
Failing to give the right-of-way to pedestrians
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Driving while distracted
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7. Never assume a driver sees you.
Ignoring traffic signals (including walk signals) and rules
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Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
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