Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Many laws have been passed in Florida to help prevent Miami Springs traffic accidents as well as car accidents across the states. One of these laws involves graduated licensing programs. All 50 states have instituted graduated licensing over the past two decades. In most cases, graduated licensing takes three phases:

1) A learning period. During this period, driver’s privileges are restricted and drivers must have supervision when driving. During this stage of the process, new drivers are expected to take driver’s education classes and to get supervision driving practice.

2) An intermediate driving period. During this period of the learning process, drivers are allowed to drive unsupervised under some circumstances, but restrictions are in place to ensure that new drivers are not allowed to drive alone and unsupervised in more dangerous situations, such as night driving.

3) A full licensing phase. During the final phase, restrictions are lifted and drivers enjoy all the privileges of driving that fully licensed drivers enjoy.

Many experts believe that graduated licensing helps prevent Miami Springs car accidents involving young drivers and new drivers, since the program ensures that drivers only gradually get additional privileges as they gain experience. Advocates of graduate licensing programs claim that gradually getting new drivers used to driving is the best way to prevent accidents. These experts note that many Miami Springs traffic accidents involving young drivers are caused by young drivers who simply do not have the experience to make the right decisions and who are therefore more prone to accidents. Statistics, including insurance industry statistics, show that young drivers are among the highest risk groups for car accidents, and graduated licensing programs are meant to address this issue.

However, graduated licensing is not without its drawbacks and its detractors. Some people claim that graduated initiatives unfairly place an additional burden and additional restrictions on new drivers and young drivers, even though drivers of all ages are at risk of Miami Springs truck accidents and traffic accidents. They note that a number of factors – including illness, distraction, and other non-age-related issues – can contribute to car accidents, making it unfair to simply restrict younger drivers. Those who disagree with graduated licensing also note that in many cases graduated licensing is based on time elapsed rather than on skills learned. For example, most graduated licensing programs automatically allow drivers to upgrade their licensing status after a certain amount of time passes – whether or not the young drivers have demonstrated a better grasp of driving skills and knowledge.

Continue reading "Does Graduated Driving Prevent Miami Springs Car Accidents?" »

In Hollywood, Florida, Halloween is a big night. There are parties, special events, trick-or-treaters, and lots to see and do. Unfortunately, the additional car traffic and pedestrian traffic can increase the risk of Hollywood pedestrian accidents on Halloween night. Ensure that you and your passengers stay safe on Halloween night if you will be driving on Halloween. You need to start planning now in order to ensure that Halloween is fun, and not frightening:

1) Have a “get home safe” plan for you and your passengers. While you may not plan to drink on Halloween, many parties on Halloween night do involve alcohol. If you do accept a drink, you need to make sure that you can get home safely. Use a designated driver, ensure that you have enough cab fare to get home, or rely on someone else to get you home. However, have at least a few plans for getting home safely – just in case. It could help prevent a Hollywood drunk driving accident.

2) Avoid driving late if you can. The later you are driving, the more tired you will be and the poorer the visibility will be.

3) Remember to stay alert all throughout October 31. Many younger children start trick or treating in the daytime, so you should expect extra pedestrian traffic during the daytime as well as at night. Don't assume that you have to wait until dark to see trick-or-treaters.

4) Turn off your mobile devices. Driving distracted on Halloween night is a sure way to get into a Hollywood car accident. To avoid personal injury, keep your entire focus on the road. You need to stay extra alert because children do sometimes run out into traffic on this night while trick or treating.

5) If you can, avoid driving trick or treaters to a trick or treat destination. Instead, walk to a nearby neighborhood for trick or treating. If this is not an option and you do need to drive, take along an extra adult in the car. Children who are excited about Halloween can be very distracting, so the extra adult can take care of supervising the children while you can put your full focus on driving.

6) Ensure that your car is in good repair. Having your car in good shape means that it will be in good shape in case you need to brake suddenly.

7) When driving on Halloween night, check your blind spots more carefully. Children may be walking all over your neighborhood, so you need to stay alert. Being very aware of your surroundings is also important because there may be pranksters egging cars and engaging in other risky behaviors. Seeing them first can help ensure that you aren’t startled.

Continue reading "Plan Now to Avoid Hollywood Halloween Car Accidents" »

Miami car accidents are a special risk during Halloween, since children are out and about trick-or-treating at the same time as cars are driving around. Miami sees a lot of car traffic, making it especially risky for childhood car accidents, especially during Halloween. Children who are trick-or-treating can get overly excited about the candy they are getting, and this can make them less cautious about running in front of cars or about crossing the street. To ensure that your children are not affected by Miami pedestrian accidents this Halloween, make sure that you:

1) Choose costumes carefully. Costumes should be highly visible, and should include flashlights or reflective strips. Any props, such as guns or swords, should be clearly made of foam and should not look too close to the real thing. Ensure that your child's costume does not prevent them from walking safely. This means ensuring that there is nothing dragging on the ground when your child walks in his or her costume.

2) Make sure that your child can see correctly. Avoid costumes that cover the face, and costumes with masks that inhibit visibility. Where possible, use face paint rather than masks for your child’s Halloween costume. Also be wary of costumes that require capes or hoods, as these can affect peripheral vision and can make it harder for your child to see oncoming traffic.

3) Set out a route for your child's to follow. Make sure that your child is accompanied at all times by an adult. The route that your child uses for Halloween should be well lit, and should have relatively little traffic.

4) Go over pedestrian safety rules with your child in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Make sure that your child is repeatedly told look both ways before crossing the street and to always cross at corners. When your child is out trick-or-treating, he or she should visit houses along one side of the street, cross at the corner, and then continue to visit houses along the other side of the street. Make sure that your child does not crisscross the street to get to different houses, crossing from in between parked cars.

5) If you live in a high traffic area of Miami, consider taking your child to a Halloween party rather than having them trick-or-treat. This ensures that your child is safe indoors rather than risking injury outdoors. This can also help protect your child from Miami drunk driving accidents, which unfortunately can be a concern on a night when many Halloween parties are serving alcohol.

6) If a younger child does want to trick or treat, consider sending them out early. This way, the child will be back home before dark. Have extra Halloween candy at home so that he or she is not disappointed with fewer treats.

Continue reading "Helping your Children Avoid Miami Car Accidents this Halloween" »

Florida ranks highest for fatal pedestrian accidents, according to a study by Transportation for America. There are many factors that affect the rates of such accidents:

1) Traffic. High volumes of traffic increase the odds of Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents. Quite simply, the more pedestrians are out and about and the more cars are on the roads, the more interaction there tends to be between drivers and pedestrians, which increases the risk of an accident. Florida has very busy roads and many pedestrians as well, increasing the chances of collisions.

2) Road design. According to Transportation for America, many roads with high fatality rates were designed mostly for motorist use. Many of these roads are designed with little consideration for pedestrian safety. Once the roads are constructed, adding safety features can be a challenge. For example, it can be hard to add a wider sidewalk for pedestrians in an already-congested Florida urban area.

3) Laws. Some advocates for pedestrian and bicycle safety note that motorists who cause serious Florida bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents often receive very light penalties (or none at all), even when they seriously injure or kill a pedestrian or cyclist. Some experts recommend new laws which would make laws stricter, especially for motorists who cause multiple accidents.

4) Distractions. Numerous studies have been published, showing the dangers of distracted driving. Currently, Florida has no laws preventing texting and driving. However, studies have shown that drivers who text and drive effectively take their eyes off the road for the length of entire football fields – more than enough time and space to cause a serious pedestrian accident. Less research has been done about the dangers of walking and texting. However, distracted pedestrians are also less likely to notice and anticipate dangers.

According to the Transportation for America study, four out of the top ten most deadly urban areas for pedestrians are in Florida. Between 2000 and 2009, the Orlando-Kissimmee saw the highest rate of fatal Florida pedestrian accidents, with 557 pedestrians killed. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater was in second place as a dangerous area for pedestrians and Jacksonville as well as the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach were also listed as among the most dangerous in the country.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians" »

Florida parking lots are a high-risk area for car accidents and Florida pedestrian accidents. Parking lots involve a lot of cars zipping around, many pedestrians headed to their cars, and many drivers who are distracted with getting that ideal parking spot. Although accidents in parking lots are usually low-speed collisions and therefore do not cause much damage, pedestrian accidents in parking lots can still lead to serious Florida brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries.

As well, some motorists drive very quickly in parking lots, which can make car accidents much more serious. Since most stores rely on trucks for delivery of inventory, parking lots can also mean that cars and pedestrians share the space with large commercial trucks. A Florida pedestrian involving a truck – even a truck moving at a slow speed – is still likely to be fatal. Therefore, it is important not to get complacent about parking lot accidents.

If you have been in a Florida car accident in a parking lot, even if it's just a fender bender, pull the cars to a safe location to prevent a secondary accident. Exchange phone numbers with anyone involved and with any witnesses. Call the police and your insurance company to file a report. Even if the accident was relatively minor, you may still need to make a claim to have your car repainted – small damage can still be expensive to fix. If you decide to file a claim later on or realize that the damage was more severe than you thought, having some documentation is important and filing insurance and police reports is important to ensure good documentation. Take photos of the accident and note down the conditions, location, date, time, and weather at the time of the accident.

If the car accident is more serious and you cannot move your car, get out of your car and put on your emergency flashers to ensure that no one rear ends you. If anyone is injured, get medical help immediately. Take photos of any conditions that may have contributed to the accident – such as an incorrectly parked car or poor paving. If anyone is injured or if the accident involved a drunk driver or commercial car or truck, you will want to possibly contact a personal injury attorney. You will also want to contact a personal injury attorney if the damages are considerable.

Although car accidents in parking lots are usually low-risk, you want to avoid them, and you can often do so simply by parking further away from other cars and especially from larger trucks. You can also help prevent accidents in parking lots by driving slowly and by using signal lights to indicate turns. Use extra caution when entering or exiting parking spots or the parking lot itself – these are the highest risk times for a car accident in a parking lot.

Continue reading "Florida Car Accidents in Parking Lots " »

Florida has the unfortunate distinction of being first in the country for pedestrian accidents. Florida pedestrian accidents are especially prevalent in four areas of the state: the Orlando-Kissimmee are, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach communities, and Jacksonville. Summer is an especially dangerous time for Florida car accidents involving pedestrians, as there are often more drivers and more pedestrians on the roads, taking part in summer activities.

This year, we can all work together to prevent Florida pedestrian accidents:

1) If you are a pedestrian, cross at designated crosswalks and obey all traffic signals. If there is not crosswalks where you will be crossing, cross at a corner and pay special attention to traffic. Avoid restricted areas where drivers do not expect to see pedestrians – such as freeways.

2) If you are a driver, pay attention to pedestrians as well as other traffic. If you are driving in an area with no sidewalks, be aware that pedestrians will be sharing the road with you. If you are driving in an area with many parks or walking trails, stay alert for pedestrians.

3) Stay visible. This applies especially to pedestrians, who should wear light or reflective clothing, especially when outside at dark. Cars should always use headlights after dark or on overcast days. If one of your lights is not working correctly, fix it immediately. Being seen by other drivers and by pedestrians is an important way to prevent accidents.

4) Stay alert. Distracted driving and distracted pedestrians are both a danger on the road. Distracted drivers are unlikely to see a pedestrian in time to avoid a collision. Pedestrians who are listening to music, talking on a cell phone, or texting may also not be aware enough of traffic to obey the laws and walk safely.

5) Never allow your young children to play near roadways. Pedestrian accidents involving children are very common – and especially tragic. Children are more likely to sustain fatal brain injuries in a pedestrian accident, due to their smaller size. Keep your children supervised at all times.

6) Never drive or walk drunk or under the influence of drugs. Every driver is aware of the risk of Florida drunk driving accidents, but pedestrians who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to be in a pedestrian accident as well. If you are under the influence, do not walk or drive home. Have a friend help you home or take a taxi.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Pedestrian Accidents This Summer" »

When we think of distracted driving, most of us think of driving with a cell phone to our ear. While there is no doubt that cell phones and mobile devices lead to Florida car accidents, they are not the only cause of distractions. In fact, some of the most common distractions are far more low-tech:

1) Pets. Pets often need to be ferried to the vet, but most types of pets don’t respond well to a moving car. They can easily panic and get underfoot. Even a well-behaved dog can suddenly become unruly if it notices something interesting out of the window. The safest place for your pets in the car is in a pet carrier. This is safest for both you and your pets. With your pets safely stowed, you won’t have to be checking on your pets and you won’t have your visibility compromised by pets jumping in front of the windows.

2) Children. Children can easily be a distraction that can cause you to take your eyes off the road. Whether you are trying to tame two fighting siblings, get something away from your infant, or are checking on the source of mysterious sounds from the back seat, taking your eyes off the road for even seconds can mean a dangerous Florida pedestrian accident. Younger children should be placed in an age-appropriate child restrain, far from anything they can grab. Older children should be given some form of activity or game for the trip so that they can play quietly without being a distraction.

3) Passengers. Passengers may wish to chat and may take your mind off the road. An animated conversation in the car can also cause you naturally to take your eyes off the road to look at the speaker. You don’t have to insist on complete silence, but playing music and having passengers in charge of the play list can help keep conversation naturally to a minimum.

4) Objects. Whether it's a purse dropping to the floor of your car or your groceries tumbling in the back seat or a CD that just doesn’t want to pop into the player, objects in your car can distract. Keep all non-essentials in the trunk and if something falls down, wait until you are pulled over to retrieve it. Today's iPod decks let you create entire play lists for the duration of your trip, so that you never have to change the music.

Continue reading "Pets, Children, and Passengers: Florida Car Accidents and Distractions" »

While most Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents involve cars, the increased presence of scooters on city streets and pedestrian areas has created a whole new hazard and legal question – one that is difficult o resolve. Scooters, also known as EMDs (electric mobility devices) are showing up in greater numbers to help those who are too elderly, too ill, and too obese to walk easily.

The difficulty with scooters is that they are an in-between entity. Those who ride scooters are not exactly pedestrians and not drivers, either. Under Florida laws, these devices do not require registration or licensing. However, these devices can cause serious accidents if they run into a pedestrian. When drivers use scooters in the roads, they can also cause Florida car accidents.

Currently, auto insurance is not applicable to EMDs and homeowners insurance does not cover any accidents or injuries caused by these devices outside the home. Worse, many who use scooters are in fact using them in ways they should not be used. Manufacturers of EMDs state that scooters should not be used on the roads and Medicare only pays for EMDs if they will be used indoors only. Drive-thru restaurants will not serve people on EMDs due to concerns about liability issues. However, many people who use scooters do use them in sidewalks, in parking lots, and even on the roads. In the event of an accident, this raises further complicated questions about liability.

There have been a number of well-reported scooter accidents across the US over the past year and this has prompted many people to discuss possible ways to insure EMDs. There has been discussions as well about ways to define scooter users legally and possible legislation which can be put in place to protect the public.

In Florida, a recent high-profile case involves a 73-year old EMD driver who got intoxicated and drive home on his scooter, only to be struck down by a car. He was issued a ticket as a pedestrian – for walking out in front of a car. The case underscores the lack of regulations concerning EMDs. While drivers of cars have rules and laws they must follow to prevent Florida drunk driving accidents, there are no laws preventing scooter users from driving drunk.

Scooters can also pose a serious hazard to pedestrians and can cause Florida pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents when the devices are used on sidewalks and pedestrian trails. EMDs are quite wide and can move quickly. If they collide with a bicyclists or pedestrian, serious injuries are the likely result due to the bulk and the speed of the scooter. Currently, however, anyone who is injured by a scooter must seek recovery through civil court because there are too few laws in place protecting pedestrians, car drivers, and scooter users.

Continue reading "Scooters and Florida Car Accidents" »

Florida pedestrian accidents and other traffic accidents are all too common at this time of year. Many more people are traveling in cars, increasing the risks of Florida car accidents. At the same time, many holiday parties mean that more people are making the poor choice to drink and drive. While you cannot control what other people do this holiday season, there are ways you can ensure that you stay safe:

1) Review the rules. The rules of the road, especially if you have new drivers in your family. Car accidents are still a leading cause of injuries to children and minors in Florida during the holiday season, so make sure that your young drivers know the rules – and make sure that they know they can count on a drive from you if they run into trouble.

2) Have several plans for getting home alive. If you have any plans to socialize this holiday season, consider how you will get home. Keep taxi numbers in your wallet as well as bus route information and a cell phone in your pocket. Find out about local shuttle and ride services for the holidays. Know a few places to call when you get stuck and it will be easy to make a smart decision.

3) Create a support group. Call friends and family and have them pledge with you not to drive drunk or distracted this holiday season. Exchange phone numbers and promise to give each other support as well as a safe ride home where possible this holiday season.

4) Consider taking public transportation. Taking a taxi or a train or bus to an event removes the temptation to drive yourself home. Even if you are just shopping, taking public transit or a taxi is often safer and can reduce overall congestion on the roads.

5) Keep your car tuned up. Check the tires, brakes, shocks, and other vital systems of your car. Make sure your car will respond quickly in case you need to act fast to avoid a car collision.

Continue reading "Avoid Getting in a Holiday Florida Car Accident This Year" »

When most of us think of Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents, we picture busy roads. However, many accidents at this time of year occur on private properties. As people visit with each other and host special holiday events, extra pedestrian and car traffic is often brought to residential areas, increasing the risk of Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents in these areas. Here’s how to prevent this type of tragedy in your home:

1) If you have a party or holiday event, plan for parking. Determine how many guests you will have and plan where they can park. Is there public parking nearby? Is there adequate street parking on your street? If you’re having a large party and parking will be a problem, consider renting transportation for your guests. A charter company can arrange for safe transport for your guests and can help prevent Florida drunk driving accidents, too. Or, consider having guests carpool to cut down on pedestrian traffic and to provide some designated drivers.

2) Make sure your parking area is well-lit. If your guests will be driving themselves, make sure that parking areas are well-lit to prevent accidents, falls, and other hazards. You can buy temporary lights if you need them.

3) When saying good-bye to guests after a party, help them leave safely. Walk them to their car. This will help ensure that they are sober enough to drive. If you notice that they are not sober, don’t let them drive. If your friends are fit to drive, help them by standing near the car and ensuring that the way is clear for them to back out and drive away.

4) Consider rear-view systems as gifts to friends. These handy devices are very useful in preventing Florida pedestrian accidents involving children, because they allow drivers to see exactly what is behind their car as they back up.

5) Do not allow your children to play in your driveway or in the street when there is a party. It’s too easy for visitors to drop by your home and your child to be injured. If there is a party on your street, your child may be drawn to the cars and the party. Any guests backing up out of a parking space may not see your child. When there is extra traffic on your street or expected traffic, find fun indoor activities for your children.

Continue reading "Could You Be at Risk for a Florida Car Accident or Premises Liability Claim at Home?" »

During the holidays and the weeks leading up to the holidays, Florida car accidents often increase in frequency. There are many reasons for this. Many of us are driving more often to take care of holiday errands and visits. As well, slippery roads can easily lead to car accidents. Shorter days and less visibility are a contributing factor to many accidents at this time of year and unfortunately, Florida drunk driving accidents are also more common at this time of year, as some motorists partake of good cheer and decide to drive home.

Florida pedestrian accidents are also more common at this time of year. Unfortunately, many of us are in crowded store parking lots, rushing about with our to-do lists. High stress and more traffic in pedestrian and car shared areas can lead to more accidents. As well, there are often more pedestrians about as people walk from store to store or head out to visit friends. There are also more delivery persons making deliveries, meaning more people walking about. Now is the time to do your part to prevent Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents. Here’s how:

1) Have a plan for getting home safely. If you decide to drink at a holiday event, make sure that you have money to get home or a plan to get home. Preventing Florida drunk driving accidents starts with planning ahead.

2) Be alert for more pedestrians and more cars on the roads. More trucks are on the roads at this time of year, too, as stores go into overdrive to meet consumer demand. Adjust your driving.

3) Adjust your driving to weather conditions. It gets darker at this time of year, which means less visibility. At the same time, holiday lights can cause glare or distract drivers. Wet roads can further compound these problems, especially with more people on the road. Slow down, use your lights and wipers, and stay alert.

4) Note and respect new pedestrian areas. Some stores create new pedestrian areas in order to encourage shoppers. These pedestrian areas may result in closed parking lots or closed streets. Stay tuned to traffic updates on your radio so that you can anticipate and respect these pedestrian areas.

5) Put away your mobile device. Distracted driving is deadly at any time of year, but it is especially dangerous during the holidays, when extra traffic and poorer lighting put you at even greater risk. Your phone conversation or text is not worth the heartbreak you would cause a family this holiday season if you caused an accident. Put your mobile device away and turn it off when driving.

6) Get your car tuned up. Make sure your breaks are in good working order, your tires are in top shape and your wipers and wiper fluid are ready for wet weather. When your car is in good shape, it responds better and allows you to avoid collisions more easily.

Continue reading "At This Time of Year, Florida Pedestrian Accidents are a Concern for Drivers" »

Some universities in Florida and across the country are starting awareness campaigns to warn student drivers about the dangers of distracted driving in a bid to reduce the number of Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents. Campaigns such as the “Put Down Ur Cell Fone” campaign try to raise awareness among the students about distracted driving through on-campus signage and demonstrations. The message is clear: to reduce your risk of causing a Florida pedestrian accident or car accident, put away your cell phone when getting behind the wheel of your car.

Targeting student drivers may be a smart move, since according to some studies, drivers under the age of 20 have the highest number of drivers who routinely drive distracted. According to some statistics, up to 16% of under-20 drivers drive distracted. The dangers of this type of behavior are well documented. A study by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis found that 6% of all car collisions are related to cell phone use. Cell phone use causes 636, 000 car accidents each year, and these accidents result in 330 000 injuries and 2 600 fatalities.

Cell phones are not the only danger. According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute 65% of near-accidents and 80% of all car accidents involve a driver who was distracted by some activity within three seconds of the collision or near-miss. Distracted driving can include texting, cell phone use, talking to passengers, adjusting music, searching for an item, eating, drinking, applying makeup, and any number of other activities. Researchers are very clear: don’t attempt to multitask while you drive.

Some states have banned texting while driving, but Florida so far has not taken that step. Nevertheless, law enforcement would like to see drivers voluntarily putting their mobile devices away when driving. Any distractions take away your focus and your eyes from the road. Even if this happens for only a few seconds, that is more than enough time for a Florida car accident to take place.

Distracted drivers face penalties for reckless driving. As well, if someone causes a crash because they have chosen to drive distracted, they can be held liable for the accident and can be sued. Insurance rates for such drivers also tend to increase. It is smartest – and safest – to put your entire focus on the road while driving.

Continue reading "Distracted Driving a Concern for Law Enforcement Trying to Halt Florida Car Accidents " »

The tradition of beach driving may be costing lives. According to experts, beach driving leads to many Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents each year. Between 2005 and 2010, 45 Florida pedestrian accidents took place on Volusia County beaches alone because someone was driving a vehicle on the beach. According to experts, beach driving leads to about 6% of Florida pedestrian accidents. This year, Volusia County Council has hired a consultant to review beach safety and beach driving to determine whether there is any way to reduce the number of beach accidents involving cars and vehicles.

A review by the News-Journal, a local newspaper, found that in many Florida car accidents and vehicle accidents on the beach, pedestrians were in fact lying down or sitting down on the beach, potentially making them less visible to drivers. In about one-third of cases, drivers were backing up when the accident occurred, suggesting that in many cases the pedestrian was simply not seen by the driver in the rear-view mirror.

As well, according to the newspaper, about half of Florida car accidents on the beach take place during March and July, the months when beaches are busiest. This may mean that simply changing the rules or laws during these two months can significantly reduce the instances of Florida pedestrian accidents on the beaches. Volusia County Council has also considered adding more car-free zones and more signage on the beach to prevent accidents.

Exerts claim that one of the problems is that the beach is a constant intersection. Most Florida car accidents occur at intersections, simply because these are the points where conflict can most easily take place. On a beach, however, the flow of people and vehicles is constant, creating almost endless points of conflict. At the same time, experts note that more people on beaches are bitten by sharks than injured in collisions with vehicles.

Some suggestions for improving beach safety also include creating completely separate areas for sunbathing and driving. This will help ensure that people who are lying down and people who are driving are simply not in the same area. Some experts have also suggested that parts of beaches should be completely closed down during times when the beaches are busy to allow for better supervision. However, for families who have lost children or loved ones to beach pedestrian accidents want cars banned entirely from beaches, saying it is too unsafe for pedestrians and vehicles to share the same space.

Continue reading "Florida Car Accidents on Beaches Linked to Tradition " »

Gainesville Police recently teamed up with University of Florida police officers and Alachua County deputies for a pedestrian safety initiative after the area was seeing about three Florida pedestrian accidents a week. As part of the campaign, the police initiated a two-week-long crackdown on drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists who were not obeying crosswalk laws. The crackdown resulted in 153 citations and increased public awareness about crosswalk laws.

Florida law gives pedestrians right of way, meaning that motorists must stop or yield when pedestrians enter crosswalks in order to allow the pedestrians to cross the street. Motorists are also required to stop or yield for pedestrians entering intersections that do not have markings.

Police say that motorists appear to be getting the message. When a similar campaign was held earlier in the year, 1 177 citations were issued. The enforcement and increased education campaigns about crosswalk rules may be helping. The fines in place for violators may be an incentive, also. Motorists who do not yield to pedestrians at intersections or crosswalks face fines of $154.

In addition to targeting motorists, police were also targeting pedestrians and bicyclists who do not follow the rules. Pedestrians are expected to use crosswalks and intersections where they are available, rather than darting out into traffic. Pedestrians who choose not to use available intersections or crosswalks may face fines of $52.50. Pedestrians as well as bicyclists are expected to always obey traffic signs and lights, even when it safe for them to proceed around or in between cars.

Since Florida car accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists are an issue across the country, other areas – including Miami – may wish to consider adopting similar crackdowns as well as educational campaigns. The effort appears to have helped Gainesville residents appreciate the importance of crosswalk laws. Perhaps the same efforts could make Miami streets and other Florida streets safer as well.

Florida car accidents involving pedestrians seem to be deadlier than the national average. Since it has been discovered that Florida has a disproportionate number of pedestrian accidents, many proposals have been put forward to help reduce these accidents and to make roadways safer for both motorists and pedestrians. According to experts, many initiatives have worked across the state in reducing Florida pedestrian accidents and can be used more broadly to reduce accidents even more:

1) Improved crosswalk striping and markings. Crosswalk markings are important for both motorists and pedestrians. For pedestrians, good markings clearly indicate where to cross. For motorists, crosswalk makings clearly indicate where they should stop to allow pedestrians to pass.

2) Improve crosswalk and intersection placement and design. More crosswalks mean that pedestrians have more “legal” and safe places to cross. It is important for planners to be especially alert when new buildings are created near busy roads. Wherever people work and pursue recreation, there is a need for crosswalks to help pedestrians get around. As well, it is important that crosswalks are well-designed so that motorists can clearly see pedestrians approaching the crosswalk in time to yield.

3) Overhead lighting. Lighting above crosswalks improves visibility and gives motorists another cue that a crosswalk is present, helping to prevent Florida pedestrian accidents.

4) Install pedestrian refuges on busy roads and highways. Pedestrian refuges are raised medians, which separate pedestrians from the flow of traffic, thereby ensuring that pedestrians are not sharing the same surface as high-speed traffic. This helps prevent Florida car accidents involving pedestrians by ensuing that cars cannot enter the pedestrian area and pedestrians cannot err into traffic.

5) Installing HAWK system. HAWK systems are crossing signals which are activated by pedestrians. Although they are expensive -- $120 000 – they ensure that more crosswalks with traffic lights can be added in areas with lower pedestrian traffic (which might not warrant permanent traffic lights).

6) Education campaigns. Educational campaigns by police and other agencies as well as increased enforcement in areas known for high rates of Florida bicycle accidents, car accidents, and pedestrian accidents have helped to reduce accidents in higher-risk areas.