Failure to yield to a pedestrian?

[boyce]

Hey everyone, so yesterday morning I was on my way to school. The speed limit for the road leading to my school is 40, and I was going 35. I was driving and saw my friend, crossing the street towards the school. I continued driving because she was already a footstep away from the sidewalk, but I slowed down so I could wave and say hi to her. She waved back. A few seconds later, I was pulled over. I tried to very politely explain to the police officer what happened and assure him I was an attentive driver, but he would not listen to me and informed me that he would be issuing me a ticket. At school, I told my friend (the one who was crossing the street) what happened and she was in shock and told me I should try and fight it. I would bring her to court with me but she is moving to a different state a week before my court date. Oh, I'm 18 and I recieved a ticket for going 6 over in a 45 last year but it was dropped. My parents think I should go to court to fight it, but what are my chances? Will this affect my insurance? Thank you for your time. Please include detailed responses.

[sylvester37]

well the fact of the matter is, you didnt yield to a pedestrian. You did break the law. Now I'm not saying that its sane, or even not stupid (its very stupid that its so non-specific) but you did, infact, break the law. Your friends testimony wouldnt have mattered, because again, you did break the law.

I know its stupid and maybe if you made a big enough fuss (like demanding they pay for your friend's palne and accomodations to come back to serve as your witness) they would let it slide, but i wouldnt count on it. Still, you cant be any worse off for going to court to challenge it. its not like they will increase the fine.

But you'll likely lose. :(

[gerard]

sorry, nothing you can do, what's your defense? you failed to yield, your friend stepped in the street.