Rash of Pedestrian Deaths in Southwest Florida Raise Concerns
Four.
That has been the number of pedestrian fatalities in Lee County, Florida in the month of February so far. The latest, a man who was struck and killed early in the morning on Golden Estates Road in Collier, marks the second pedestrian death in Collier this year.
On the heels of this and other pedestrian deaths, the Florida Department of Transportation is looking at the top ten counties in Florida where a high percentage of pedestrian deaths occur and will be holding discussions with local authorities to try to find out why the death rates are so high and what to do about it. Other high-risk counties are Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, and Hillsborough.
In 2010, 499 people were killed in Florida pedestrian accidents. That accounted for 22 percent of all roadway deaths. That number was up slightly from 2009.
Many factors contribute to pedestrian deaths: alcohol, jaywalking, poorly lit roads, and inattentive and distracted drivers, to name a few. According to Florida law, an intersection is an implied crosswalk and vehicles have to yield to pedestrians. However, according to Michelle Avola, executive director of the Naples Pathway Coalition, pedestrians also have to exercise caution and common sense when crossing. “Just to say, ‘Hey, I have the right to cross the road’ and just start walking, that’s not so smart.”
While it is important that pedestrians exercise common sense when crossing the street in Florida, it is equally important that authorities maintain safe roads and that drivers be attentive to their surroundings. If you or somebody you know has been hit and injured by a vehicle, the Tampa pedestrian injury attorneys at Farah & Farah will sort out who is liable to get you compensation for your injuries. Please call us at (800) 533-3555 today.
Sources:http://m.naplesnews.com/news/2012/feb/09/man-struck-killed-by-car-in-golden-gate-is-this/; http://www.abc-7.com/story/16901899/group-reminding-pedestrians-about-rules-of-the-road
