History: Highway Laws, Parish Of Natchitoches La, 1918, Natchitoches Parish La Submitted by: Suzanne Shoemaker Many Thanks to the Natchitoches Times for allowing the LaGenWeb to use this article. ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** The Natchitoches Times article. November 26, 1999 issue. SIGN OF THE TIMES Information supplied by Natchitoches Genealogy and Historical Association By Shirley Porter April 19, 1918 HIGHWAY LAWS, PARISH OF NATCHITOCHES Be it enacted by the Police Jury of the Parish of Natchitoches, acting under and by virtue of the power and authority of Sec. 275 of the Revised Statutes of Louisiana, that the following Highway and Traffic Laws are hereby adopted. Sec. 1: That adopting the hereinafter regulations, they have had in mind, Safety First, and have subordinated all other provisions to that cardinal principal. Sec. 2: That all persons using the public highway are declared to have equal rights, whether on foot, horse or vehicle of any kind. Sec. 3: Meeting. That in meeting on the public highway, if either person is traveling in a vehicle of any description, the person so using the vehicle must turn to the right until the inner wheel is clear of the center of the beaten track or middle of the road. Sec. 4: That each person shall pass to the right, if on account of the condition of the highway, it is impossible for one of the parties to comply with the above regulations, then and in that event the person who finds it impossible on account of the condition of the road at the point at which he is, shall hold his hand up as indicating his ability to do so, and come to a full stop and remain so until the approaching party shall have passed by on the side where conditions will permit the compliance with the regulation. Sec. 5: That all person on the highway, when meeting another party, shall slow down to a speed of not exceeding 10 miles an hour and if conditions permit, pass as directed using a speed not exceeding 10 miles per hour. Sec. 6: Overtaking and Passing One person overtaking and desiring to pass another must do so at the convenience of the parties and without endangering either life or property, and if damages occur, the presumption shall be the burden of evidence shall be on such person. The person then shall turn to the right and the one passing to the left. Sec. 7: Lights That all persons using the highways on nights with automobiles shall be provided with good lights, which throw a light not less than 300 feet ahead of the vehicle, and when so provided shall not travel over 25 miles per hour. If for any reason the lights in use throw a light a less distance than the above the speed shall not exceed 10 miles per hour. Shall danger occur while lights are not being used, the person not using lights shall be responsible for all dangers sustained. Sec. 8: General Speed Regulations That any person traveling at a rate of speed of over 25 miles per hour on the highway of the Parish shall be liable for any damages which may be occasioned to person, vehicle or animal. That if both parties are traveling at a rate above the limit herein fixed, neither shall be entitled to recover of the other damages for the damages suffered. Sec. 9: That in case of damages occurring by reason of the violation of the provisions of this act, or by reason of the carelessness of any person using the highway, the driver and the owner of the machine shall be liable in solido for all damages occasioned, unless it be shown that the automobile is stolen or in the possession of the driver without the knowledge or consent of the owner. Sec. 10: Chauffeurs That no person under the age of 15 shall be allowed to drive an automobile operated for hire on the public highways of the Parish. Sec. 11: That all persons operating automobiles for hire on the public highways, shall be required to give a good and sufficient surety bond in favor of the secretary of the Police Jury, which surety shall be for the protection of all persons injured by the operation of the said automobile, the amount of the bond to be given for one automobile is the sum of $500 and the further sum of $500 for each additional automobile so operated. Said Bond to be approved by the president of the Police Jury. Sec. 12: That the Bond herein provided for shall be given within 60 days from the promulgation of this act and any person so operating cars, after the law goes into effect shall be liable to a fine of not less than $5 nor more than $100, to be recovered by proper legal proceedings to be had as herein provided.