Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

According to The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk pedestrians in 2008 were four times as likely to be in a fatal accident as those who were not intoxicated. In Florida, almost one third of fatal and serious pedestrian accidents in 2010 involved an intoxicated pedestrian. Drinking increases the risk of Coconut Creek pedestrian accidents in a number of ways:

1) Pedestrians who have been drinking cannot evaluate a car's speed and distance as accurately as someone who is sober. Drinking can make it harder for pedestrians to accurately evaluate risks, including car distance and speed. This can make it harder for intoxicated pedestrians to evaluate when it is safe to cross the street.

2) Pedestrians who are drinking are more likely to make poor choices and judgements. Intoxicated pedestrians may sit down on a curb or even in the road, may fall asleep on road areas, or may step out in between parked cars, increasing the risk of Coconut Creek car accidents. In some cases, intoxicated pedestrians may try to cross the street on a red light or may take other risks which can lead to a Coconut Creek pedestrian accident. Just as drivers are discouraged from drinking and driving, pedestrians should be discouraged from drinking and walking, as some of the same poor choices that affect drivers can affect pedestrians as well.

3) Pedestrians who have been drinking may have poor motor skills. Pedestrians who have been drinking are more likely to fall over or to stumble when attempting to cross roadways. This can cause Coconut Creek slip and fall and trip and fall accidents, and can cause pedestrians to fall in the path of an oncoming car.

4) Pedestrians who have been drinking may have a harder time getting out of a dangerous situation. Intoxicated pedestrians may have a hard time getting out of the way of an oncoming car or generally getting out of the way of hazards in time.

Transportation for America reports that Florida is among the worst states for pedestrian fatalities. Unfortunately, drinking and walking can exacerbate the problem. While getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking can easily lead to Coconut Creek drunk driving accidents, walking home after drinking may not necessarily be a safer option. This is important for people to remember, since to many motorists walking home after drinking can seem like a better idea. Relying on public transportation, friends who can get you home safely, or a taxi may be a safer way to avoid Coconut Creek drunk driving accidents as well as Coconut Creek pedestrian accidents.

Continue reading "Coconut Creek Pedestrian Accidents May Be Linked in Some Cases to Intoxication " »

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 4092 pedestrian fatalities in 2009. While this represents a 7% drop from 2008’s numbers, the reality is that these accidents are highly preventable and the number of fatal accidents can be reduced even further. The NHTSA has also released information suggesting that children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to pedestrian accidents. According to the organization, 13 000 of the 59 000 pedestrians hurt in accidents in 2009 were children under the age of 15. More than half (55%) of those children were boys. In addition, in 2009, 16% of traffic fatalities across the country involved the elderly.

Hollywood, Florida has many clean and safe streets where pedestrians enjoy walking, but a significant elderly population as well as a significant population of younger children does mean that the city is at risk for Hollywood traffic accidents and pedestrian accidents. According to the NHTSA, there are many things that community members can do to make walking in the community safer for everyone.

1) Evaluate the risks for Hollywood pedestrian accidents in your area. The NHTSA website has a link to a handy checklist that you can use to evaluate your usual walking routes for safety (katana.hsrc.unc.edu/cms/downloads/walkability_checklist.pdf). This can be a good place to start in determining the safety of your walks.

2) Write to your elected representatives. According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO), it is the responsibility of governments to ensure that there are safe places to walk. If you find unsafe conditions – such as poorly repaired sidewalks that pose a Hollywood slip and fall accident hazard – write about it to your elected representatives and your newspapers to get changes made.

3) Take community action. If there is something simple – such as garbage or litter – affecting the safety of a walk, you can organize a neighborhood crew to clean it up. You can also organize neighborhood walking groups to ensure that everyone can walk safely with a group and can raise awareness about any safety issues in popular walking areas.

4) Walk safely when you walk yourself. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. Make sure that you walk with a friend where possible and wear light-colored clothing so that you are visible to cars. Where possible, stick to sidewalks and well-lighted trails rather than roadways where you need to share the road with cars. If you do need to walk in an area with no sidewalks, walk on the far shoulder of the road, as far from traffic as possible, heading towards traffic.

Continue reading "Hollywood Pedestrian Accidents: What You Can Do to Prevent Them " »

The dangers of Miami drunk driving accidents have been well documented, and there are many public awareness campaigns organized by groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) intended to raise awareness about the dangers of driving drunk. However, many authorities have been trying to send the message that walking while intoxicated can be just as dangerous.

According to a recent article in the Sun Sentinel, 32 fatal Florida pedestrian accidents in 2010 involved a pedestrian with an elevated blood alcohol level. Across Florida, about 13% of serious pedestrian accidents involved an intoxicated pedestrian. In Miami, pedestrian accidents also take place when pedestrians have been drinking. In Broward County alone, 7% of pedestrian accidents in 2010 involved a pedestrian who was intoxicated. In Palm Beach County, 9% of such accidents last year involved a pedestrian who had been drinking.

While walking home after drinking can seem like a safer alternative than drinking and driving, it is not a safe way to get home. Drinking reduces mobility and agility. Drunk pedestrians are susceptible to being injured in Miami slip and fall accidents or trip and fall accidents. They are more likely to fall down, wander into traffic, or try to cross the street outside of crosswalks. Pedestrians who have been drinking may also show poor judgment and may even in some cases lose consciousness near the road, putting them at risk being hit by a car.

If you have been drinking, there is no doubt that you should not drive. Far too many Miami car accidents are caused by drunk drivers. However, walking home alone is also clearly not a safe solution. A better option might be to get a ride from a designated driver, sober friend, public transport, or a taxi. If these are not options, drunk pedestrians should not head home alone, especially if they are severely intoxicated. Walking home with someone who is sober can ensure that a pedestrian is not hit by a car, does not fall over, or otherwise does not injure themselves.

The statistics about pedestrian accidents involving pedestrians who have been drinking stress one thing: drinking can easily cause injuries in a number of ways. Even when someone who is intoxicated is not behind the wheel of a car, he or she is vulnerable to injuries caused by reduced mobility and judgment. Even simply walking home can be dangerous. Those who serve alcohol need to be aware of this. Even if you are just serving alcohol at a holiday party at home, you need to be aware that simply ensuring that guests do not drink and drive may not be enough to keep your guests safe. You need to ensure that your guests get home safely with a sober driver or pedestrian who can help them reach home.

Continue reading "Miami Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Intoxication" »

The morning school run is a fact of life in many Miami households. Any family with school aged children needs to get kids to school in the mornings. Unfortunately, getting kids to school safely can be challenge, especially since busy parents are rushing around and fighting morning traffic. According to a recent Orlando Sentinel article, students may be at risk when heading to school in the mornings.

Many students are dropped off at school by parents. Unfortunately, extra cars on the road, busy morning routines, and congested school zone areas can increase the risks of Miami car accidents in the mornings. Some schools have special drop-off zones for parents to ease congestion and to reduce the risk of traffic accidents, but even in these areas high volumes of student foot traffic and plenty of potentially distracted drivers creates a risk.

Some families opt to have children walk to school. Some experts even encourage the idea, saying that the moderate amount of exercise that children can get walking to and from school can help combat obesity and can give students some extra exercise in the mornings. However, walking to school can also mean more Miami pedestrian accidents. According to the recent Orlando Sentinel article, some young Florida students need to walk to school in the dark, especially as days get shorter, in order to get to school on time. Budget cuts can also mean that students are forced to walk because buses run to fewer areas. In addition to pedestrian accidents, parents considering letting their children walk to school also worry about the personal safety of their children.

School buses are considered one of the safest options for students headed to school. Miami bus accidents are rare, especially school bus accidents. However, not every student qualifies for a school bus. Students who live too close to the school or too remotely are often not given the option of taking the school bus to school.

Public transportation is another option for Miami students. Since bus accidents are rare, this can be a good alternative. Unfortunately, not all schools are on bus routes and some parents have concerns about personal safety on public buses. In busy areas of the city, young students may have a hard time finding the right bus, as well.

Many Miami families are finding that traveling in groups makes the most sense for the morning school run. For example, car pooling can reduce congestion at schools, get kids to school on time, and can make the morning rush a little more bearable. It is also kinder for the environment. Having children walk to school or to the bus stop together can also make children more visible and can help allay some of personal safety fears that parents may have.

If your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is imperative that you get legal advice as well as medical help. If your child has sustained serious injuries, those injuries can affect a lifetime of income earning and learning. A qualified Miami personal injury attorney can investigate the accident and can aggressively pursue your child’s rights so that your child’s future is safeguarded.

Continue reading "Are Children at Risk of Miami Pedestrian Accidents in the Mornings?" »

Walking and hiking are considered among the best exercise choices out there. Walking is a low-impact exercise that increases the heart rate and can help combat obesity and heart disease. However, pedestrians in Miami face risks every day. Miami pedestrian accidents, especially those involving cars, often lead to fatalities or serious and permanent injuries for pedestrians. If you want to walk or hike, you need to take steps to ensure that it is a healthful as well as a safe exercise for you:

1) Consider walking in pedestrian-only areas. Walking on pedestrian-designated trails and walking areas ensures that you are far away from cars, trucks, and other kinds of vehicles that can cause Miami traffic accidents. The elderly may consider walking clubs in indoor spaces, such as gyms or malls. Conditions are more controlled and there are fewer Miami slip and fall hazards.

2) Bring a walking buddy. Walking with a friend is more fun, and ensures that there is someone to call for help in case you are injured. A walking buddy also makes you less of a target for criminals and ensures that you are more visible.

3) Vary your routine. In addition to Miami slip and fall accidents, pedestrians also need to be concerned about the individuals that they encounter on trails and parks. Varying your routine makes it more difficult for someone to get to know your routes and destinations.

4) Walk without distractions. Just as distracted driving leads to many Miami car accidents each year, walking while distracted can also lead to trips, falls, accidents, and injuries. Leave your music, texting devices, and other distractions at home. Focus only on your walking. You'll be more likely to notice any potential hazards or problems around you.

5) Bring what you need to stay safe. At minimum, consider bringing a cell phone or mobile device that allows you to call for help and allows you to access maps or other needed information in case you get lost. If you have serious allergies or a medical condition, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet in case you are injured.

6) Stay visible. If you do need to walk outside of pedestrian-only areas, be sure that you wear reflective clothing and light-colored clothing that is easily noticeable by motorists. Walk towards traffic. Avoid walking at night.

7) Consider all the risks and prepare for them. Hikers and walkers face various risks. One of them is from other walkers and people. Carrying a safety alarm, cell phone, and walking with a buddy can help reduce your chances of being victimized by crime. Miami car accidents are another risk for pedestrians. Avoiding high traffic areas and wearing visible clothing can help reduce your risk of being struck by a vehicle. Animals are another concern for hikers and walkers, especially in remote areas. Bringing a buddy and carrying a sturdy walking stick can help you avoid this type of danger.

Continue reading "Miami Pedestrian Accidents – What Hikers and Exercisers Need to Know" »

Walking is a great exercise, especially at this time of year, with the leaves out and beautiful fall weather to enjoy. Many pedestrians are enjoying heading out onto walking trails and streets in order to enjoy exercise. Walking in fact provides a great low-impact exercise that can help improve your overall health. Each year, however, pedestrians are injured or even killed in Florida pedestrian accidents. You want to ensure that your walks improve your health, rather than jeopardize it. To avoid becoming the victim of a pedestrian accident, make sure that you:

1) Choose your walking paths carefully. The best place to walk is in a park or along specially designated walking trails, if your area has them. These provide the highest level of safety as they keep you far away from cars and reduce the chance of your being in a Florida pedestrian accident. If there are no walking trails in your area, use sidewalks. If no sidewalks are available, walk along the shoulder of the road, as far from traffic as possible.

2) Walk with friends. Walking with friends ensures that there is someone to call for help if you are injured or suddenly feel ill. Walking with a friend also motivates you to walk more regularly and can make you more visible as a group. A buddy system can also help keep you safer from crime. If you don’t know anyone in your area to walk with, consider joining a walking or hiking club or group.

3) Stay visible. If you are walking in the evenings, early mornings, or at dusk, wear light-colored clothing with reflective tape on it that will show up easily for drivers. Bring a flashlight. This is especially important if you will be walking in any areas shared with cars.

4) Avoid distractions. Listening to music on headphones, texting, or talking on your cell phone distracts you, making you more likely to fall victim to a Florida slip and fall accident or more likely to walk in front of traffic. Staying distraction-free allows you to notice any potential dangers around you and to respond adequately.

5) Talk to your doctor before starting a walking regimen. While walking is a low-impact exercise that is safe and appropriate for many people, it is a good idea to discuss your health goals and your overall condition with your doctor before embarking on any exercise routine.

6) Choose appropriate walking clothes. Opt for sturdy, comfortable shoes that fit well and comfortable walking clothes. Incorrectly clothing and shoes can make it more likely that you will fall.

Continue reading "Walking Safety to Reduce Florida Pedestrian Accidents" »

For the first time in five years, fatal pedestrian accidents increased in 2010, according to a report published by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). In the first six months of 2010, fatal car accidents across the country decreased but during the same time period fatal pedestrian accidents increased by 0.4%. Before 2010, pedestrian fatalities had actually been dropping for four years.

Florida may have special reasons to worry. According to the report, Florida ranked second for highest individual increase in pedestrian fatalities. Only Arizona saw a greater jump in pedestrian deaths. In Florida, there were 482 pedestrian fatalities and 7500 pedestrian injures in 2009. Between January 2010 and June 2010, 245 people died in Florida pedestrian accidents. That's an average of 35 more deaths in 2010 during just the first six months of the year.

According to the GHSA report, the emphasis on exercise may be pushing more pedestrians to walk outdoors, which can mean more accidents. Another factor, according to the report's experts, is increased distraction. Pedestrians who use texting devices, listen to music, or engage in conversations while walking may not notice dangers around them. Alcohol and controlled substances may also be an issue. According to GHSA Vice Chairman Troy E. Costales, over 50% of fatal pedestrian accidents in 2010 involved an intoxicated pedestrian. According to the GHSA report, there are many things that communities can do to reduce pedestrian accidents and fatalities:

1) Make pedestrian safety a priority and allot money and resources to pedestrian safety measures. Adding more signs, creating pedestrian-only zones for walkers and adding more money to law enforcement and safety awareness can help make the streets safer for pedestrians.

2) Get more information about pedestrian issues. Analyzing crash information or conducting safety audits can help communities identify and target areas that are especially dangerous for pedestrians.

3) Improve pedestrian infrastructure. Adding pedestrian walking trails away from roads is one solution. Pedestrian-activated red stop lights can also make shared road and walk spaces safer. Some communities have had success by increasing pedestrian crosswalks and by designating more roadway space for pedestrians.

4) Create good laws and practice good enforcement. Some states have created laws which require cars to come to a full stop when pedestrians are in crosswalks. New Kersey and Hawaii enforce their pedestrian laws by having un-uniformed police officers walk across crosswalks to see how many cars stop. Cars who fail to stop or yield are ticketed by nearby officers.

5) Create good educational programs. Teaching pedestrians about safe walking habits is important. For example, educational programs that teach children to cross streets safely and educational awareness campaigns that teach pedestrians about the dangers of being distracted when crossing the street can help keep everyone a little safer.

Continue reading "Florida Pedestrian Accidents Were Common in 2010" »

A study in early 2010 concluded that Florida has a disproportionately high rate of fatal pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents. Since then, experts have been speculating as to why the state accounts for only 6% of the nation’s population but 11% pedestrian accident fatalities and 17.4% of bicyclist accident fatalities. Experts have found several causes:

1) Behaviors. Experts agree that individual behaviors and poor decisions – such as the decision to drive distracted, despite the risk of Florida car accidents or the decision to cross outside of a crosswalk – are key to many Florida car accidents and traffic accidents. However, this alone does not explain why Florida residents’ decisions seem to result in more traffic fatalities. It is hard to judge, for example, whether Florida residents make these poor judgments more often or whether their decisions simply tend to have more serious consequences for some secondary reason.

2) The structure of roads. A study by the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership and Transportation for America found that the move from clustered traditional streets to high-speed highways poses special dangers for pedestrians. However, other experts claim that streets themselves do not cause accidents.

3) A graying population. Older drivers are often blamed for Florida car accidents, especially since Florida has a graying population. However, at least one study has found that the number of elderly persons killed in Florida pedestrian accidents is 17%. This is on par with the nation-wide average.

4) Design. Representatives of Bicycle/Pedestrian Advocates, a non-profit group, believe that most community designs are determined by developers, who may not always consider the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians when making design decisions.

5) Lack of education programs for pedestrians and bicyclists. According to the Florida Bicycle Association, there are few awareness programs designed specifically for bicyclists and pedestrians. Programs that remind pedestrians and bicyclists of safety rules or remind drivers about safety issues involving pedestrians and bicyclists could reduce some accidents, advocates believe.

There is some hope. Tampa was targeted as the US’s most deadly city for pedestrians in 2000 and the city got serious about changing that image. After introducing bike lanes, bike trails, crosswalks, education programs, more enforcement, more sidewalks, and other initiatives, the city’s rate of pedestrian accidents fell 56% between 2000 and 2008.

According to two non-profit groups from Washington, D.C., Florida is the deadliest state in the country for bicyclists and pedestrians. The most recent statistics available are from 2008 and show that 11% of pedestrians killed in pedestrian accidents and 17.4% of bicyclists killed in bicycle accidents were killed in Florida – even though Florida has only 6% of the country’s total population.

According to statistics, Florida has been in the top three states of the nation for pedestrian accident fatalities and bicycle accident fatalities each year since 2001. As well, of the ten most risky urban areas for pedestrians, the top four all include areas in Florida. Officials from Florida's Department of Transportation have expressed concern over the statistics this year and have promised to try to find some answers.

The statistics do raise some questions, namely: what makes Florida pedestrian accidents and Florida bicycle accidents so common and so deadly? Researchers agree that three basic causes may be contributing the fatalities and the accident rates:

1) Very rapid population growth. Between 1950 and 2008, Florida’s population skyrocketed from 2.8 million to 18.5 million, an increase of sevenfold. In fact, Florida leads the nation in population growth. The extra population puts a strain on existing infrastructure and also creates far more traffic, which makes the streets and roadways riskier for pedestrians and bicyclists.

2) Climate. Some experts speculate that Florida’s nice weather brings more people outside, which makes them more at risk for traffic-related accidents.

3) Tourists. About 80 million tourists visit Florida in a typical year. Experts agree that tourists – who may not be familiar with streets or may not realize area-specific dangers – may be a contributing factor in some Florida car accidents and traffic accidents.

As students are getting ready to head back to school, it’s a great time for parents to review school safety rules, especially if your children will be walking to school each day. Many Florida pedestrian accidents take place during the walk to and from school. In some cases, students get excited or distracted by school or friends and make errors which lead to an accident. In many cases, as well, the times when students are walking to school coincide with rush hour traffic in Hollywood, Miami, and other major Florida cities. All of this can make it more likely that students are at risk of being involved in a Florida car accident or pedestrian accident.

Now is a great time to review safety procedures for walking to and from school:

1) Set up a walking system for younger children. Younger children can walk to school with older students attending the same school. This offers additional supervision and ensures that children will not be walking without some help. This is especially important for younger children, who may not be used to crossing the street alone.

2) Review the school route. Even with older children, take a long walk to school from your home. This gives you a sense of how distracted your children are when walking to school and allows you to gauge how safe or unsafe the school route is. Busy intersections, secluded areas, and poorly-designed crosswalks are all danger areas. You may want to develop a new route together or go over some safety rules for the more dangerous areas.

3) Set up a “no distraction” rule. Distracted walking can be as dangerous as distracted driving. Encourage your children to avoid texting, talking on their cell phone, or listening to music when walking to school. If they are distracted, students are less likely to see and anticipate possible problems on the road, making them more at risk.

4) Make sure visibility is good. Make sure that students can see around them. Avoid having your children walk through parking lots or areas with lots of street traffic, as trying to cross these areas blocks off their view of oncoming traffic. Also, ensure that your child’s back to school wardrobe does not hamper mobility or visibility. Large hats, hoodies, dark glasses, and other clothing items can affect visibility.

5) Go over your child’s schedule for the upcoming year and arrange a ride or drive for late-night school activities. Walking home in the dark means even worse visibility as well as a host of new dangers. If your child must walk home after dark, at least ensure that he or she walks with a group of friends and is visible to motorists.

Pedestrian accidents are often fatal or cause serious bodily injury such as head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and serious internal injuries. One reason for this is because pedestrians simply do not stand much of a chance when faced with a car. Another reason for this is because a disproportionate number of people injured in pedestrian accidents are children and seniors, and these groups of people may sustain injuries more easily due to their size or bodily condition. While drivers have a responsibility to prevent car accidents, there are many things that pedestrians can do to stay safe:

1) Cross only at designated intersections and crosswalks. Many pedestrians are injured because they try to cross the street without using crosswalks. Cars may simply not expect to see you in an area without a crosswalk. If you must cross without an intersection, find a spot where cars can clearly see you, make eye contact with any drivers on the road and make sure that you have plenty of clearance to cross.

2) Walk on sidewalks and pedestrian bridges where possible. These areas are no-car zones and are therefore the safest places to walk. Sharing roadways with cars always places you in greater danger. If you need to walk somewhere where no sidewalks are provided or where sidewalks are unavailable due to weather or construction, walk facing traffic, on the left shoulder of the road.

3) When crossing streets at intersections, look left, right and left again to ensure that you have a safe way to cross. Even if you have right of way, not all cars will stop. Stopping at a crosswalk yourself shows drivers that you intend to stop as well, and allows them to let you pass. Also, make sure that you obey traffic signals.

4) Stay visible. Wear clothing that is easily visible to drivers for the weather conditions. If you are walking at night, make sure your clothes have reflective material or bring a flashlight. Also, make sure that drivers can see you. Stay out of blind spots and make eye contact with drivers before crossing a street.

5) Stay alert. Walking after drinking heavily can be dangerous. You can veer into the road or make mistakes when crossing the street. Even wearing headphones can prevent you from hearing horns and other warnings.

6) Don’t let children play on streets or near them. Children often can’t judge car distances and may not be able to understand safe pedestrian practices.

Pedestrian accidents claim the lives of many adults and children each year and result in devastating injuries such as spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and head injuries, to name just a few. Victims who have been hit by a car may often be confused and insurance companies are often quick to try to settle for a small sum very early on to prevent larger claims. Victims of pedestrian accidents may have these questions when making legal decisions:

1) Can a victim still make a claim when crossing without a crosswalk?

Answer: Yes. There are laws that govern pedestrian accidents such as these. Of course, if you were crossing a street without the help of signals or a crosswalk, an insurance provider may want to discredit your claims. If you have suffered an injury, you need to speak with a qualified attorney who can represent your case. A good attorney will be able to get you compensation for lost income and medical bills in this situation in many cases.

2) When should a victim accept a settlement?

Answer: It is important not to accept any settlement until any medical injuries have been examined by a qualified doctor and have been resolved and you have spoken with an attorney. If you are offered a settlement, it is tempting to accept the offer right away, but by doing so you may not get all the money you need to pay for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. It can take weeks or even months to get a good sense of the extent of your injuries and therefore the costs you may incur from an accident.

If you accept a settlement before speaking with a qualified attorney, you will most likely not get all the money you are entitled to under the law. A good attorney can carefully consider your case and ensure that you have adequate compensation to cover all the complex costs associated with the accident. Keep in mind, too, that most insurance companies will automatically offer a very low settlement amount to anyone who is not represented. Speaking with an attorney costs nothing and at least ensures that you have all the legal information you need to make an informed decision about your settlement.

3) What sorts of damages should a settlement for a pedestrian accident cover?

Answer: The costs of a pedestrian accident can be immense for a victim, and a settlement is meant to cover some of these costs. A settlement can help a victim cover medical bills, lost income, lost benefits, lost future earning power, and rehabilitation costs. In addition, the settlement is meant to compensate for some of the pain and suffering the accident has caused.

4) What should a victim do if approached with a settlement by an insurance company?

Continue reading "Pedestrian Accident FAQs" »

Pedestrian accidents in Florida lead to many tragedies. Because cars and pedestrians are so unevenly matched, pedestrians struck by a vehicle often face significant injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, disfigurement, and other injuries. In addition, pedestrians face a high risk of fatalities when struck by a car.

Unfortunately, in many cases, it is not a pedestrian’s fault that they have sustained injury. Some Florida motorists take significant risks when driving, and these risks can lead to car accidents. Motorists all over the country have a responsibility to drive safely to prevent car accidents and pedestrian accidents. Drivers can help prevent such accidents by:

1. Maintaining good visibility. Being able to see the road is crucial when driving. Wearing sunglasses during daylight driving hours can help cut glare. Keeping glasses and the windshield clean can also help improve visibility. Of course, if you need glasses, you should get regular check-ups and ensure that you have the latest prescription available so that your eyesight is 20/20.
2. Obeying the rules of the crosswalks. All corners have crosswalks – whether those crosswalks are indicated by painted lines or signs or whether those crosswalks are unmarked. When approaching any corner or crosswalk, exercise additional caution and be prepared to stop quickly. Keep in mind that pedestrians have the right of way in all crosswalks. This also applies to crosswalks which are not marked.

3. Watching out for parked cars. Parked cars mean pedestrians, since people will be walking to and from their parked vehicles. At the same time, though, parked cars mean reduced visibility for drivers, since parked cars can mean that pedestrians step out between parked cars, where they may be less visible.

4. Becoming sensitive to motion. Keep your eyes moving and stay alert. If you see any motion, even from the corner of your eye, always check to see what made the motion and get prepared for the unexpected.

5. Looking out for spaces that are shared by pedestrians and vehicles. When entering or leaving a driveway, for example, stay alert for pedestrians. Keep in mind that driveways may have pedestrians as well as cars, and you need to stay alert for both. Parking lots and loading areas or docks are similar.

Continue reading "Florida Drivers Have a Responsibility to Reduce Pedestrian Accidents" »

Unfortunately, many pedestrian accidents that leave pedestrians seriously injured, killed, facing brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other life-threatening ailments, are hit and run accidents. While some motorists stop to assist pedestrians who have been injured in a collision, many motorists who accidentally or intentionally hit a pedestrian leave the scene of the crime.

USA Today has reported that fatalities in hit and run accidents have increased 20% since 2000. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 974 pedestrians were killed in hit and run accidents in 2005 alone. According to the AAA Foundation for pedestrians account for 60% of those killed in hit and run accidents. Between 1994 and 2003, 14,914 people were killed in hit and run accidents. Obviously, the statistics are sobering.

There are many ways a pedestrian can avoid collisions with motorists:

1) Even when at a crosswalk, look to your right and to your left twice before starting to cross the street. This allows you to look for turning vehicles, and vehicles who do not obey traffic signals.

2) Obey traffic signals. If you're on foot, and you feel that a car is still a long way off, it can be tempting to walk across a crosswalk on a red light. However, obeying traffic signals is important. Traffic signals are in place to keep you safe, and in some cases you may misjudge how close a car is or how quickly it is going. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

3) Stay alert and aware of cars as they come near you and pass you. Yes, cars and motorists are supposed to be aware of pedestrians and offer right-of-way. However, not all motorists obey the laws. Unfortunately, if a motorist is not obeying the laws and you are injured, the odds of you as a pedestrian being seriously injured are quite high, while it is very possible that the motorist will be uninjured. Just because you see a motorist, that does not mean that the driver sees you. Even if the driver sees you, that does not mean that he or she will give you the right-of-way or stop in time. Exercise caution.

4) Always walk on sidewalks or away from the roadway in areas where there are no sidewalks. Where possible, always remain on sidewalks or on areas that are designed specifically for pedestrians. If this is not possible, stay as far away from the vehicles area of the road as you can.

5) Wear visible clothes, especially when walking at night. Reflective clothing at night is a good idea, since it allows motorists to see you.

Statistics show that children are at greatest risk of becoming involved in pedestrian accidents involving a motor vehicle. Boys between five and nine years of age are especially vulnerable. Pedestrian accidents are the leading cause of injuries to minors and children, and most of these accidents take place close to children's homes.

There are number of reasons why Florida pedestrian accidents involving children are so common. One of the leading reasons is because children do not always have a great sense of danger and cannot always appreciate the danger of running out into the street. Many children also have difficulty determining how fast a car is coming, and therefore have a hard time estimating when it is safe to cross a road or street. Some children, especially younger children, may run into the street without checking to see whether cars are coming, out of impulse.

Children who are old enough to cross the street alone should be taught a number of safety rules. The safety rules include:

1) Finding the right routes. Teach your child to select routes that offer the fewest streets to cross. Also, teach your child to select routes that involve very few high-speed or busy streets.

2) Wearing the right clothes. Wearing bright clothing in the daytime and reflectors at night can keep your child safe by making your child more visible to drivers. Dark colors can blend in with a dark night and can make your child harder to spot.

3) Careful crossings. Teach your child to always look both ways for motor vehicles before crossing a street. Also, practice so that your child does not cross behind or within 10 feet of a large motor vehicle, truck, or bus. Explain to a child that the driver cannot see within 10 feet of their vehicle. Teach your child to look for parked vehicles that may be ready to pull forward. It is best to practice by taking walks together and by letting your child lead the way across streets. You can then evaluate how aware and how cautious your child is.

4) Obeying regulations. Teach your child to always cross on green lights at traffic signals, and teach your child to always check for motor vehicles, even when they have the right of way. Explain that drivers do not always obey the rules, and make sure that your child understands the necessity of always obeying traffic signs and signals.

Children, teachers, and communities will be taking part in International Walk to School Month, which is in October. The aim of International Walk to School Month is to promote walking to school, which can be a good way for children to get exercise. This is especially important today, when obesity rates among school-aged children are so high. The other aim of International Walk to School Month is to promote safe and healthy routes to school.

Organizers of International Walk to School Month point out that children who walk to school year-round are at greater risk of being affected by pedestrian accidents and injuries, and organizers hope to reduce these personal injuries while helping to promote healthy activity for children. According to organizers of International Walk to School Month, there are several things that parents and communities can do to promote safer routes to school:

1) Promote good road safety. According to NHTSA, there are several reasons why children are more at risk for pedestrian accidents. One problem is that since children are smaller, they're more difficult for drivers to see. Children who stand between parked cars are especially difficult for drivers to spot. Plus, younger children will often misjudge vehicle speeds and distances across the street, which can mean that they step out into dangerous situations. Parents can help their children by helping them understand how to cross streets safely. Children should be taught at an early age to always use sidewalks, and always wait until cars come to complete stop before crossing the road.

2) Encourage the buddy system. Younger children, especially, will often benefit by walking to school with older children. This will help ensure road safety, as well as safety from possible strangers. Parents may also want to walk younger children to school, so that they can teach them about traffic safety along the walk. According to the NHTSA, many parents assume that their children know how to cross the street and read traffic signals, even when this is not true. Parents should make an effort to teach children traffic signals and basic traffic safety rules.

3) Avoid having children walking in the evening. Poor lighting can encourage pedestrian accidents. Children, especially younger children, should always be encouraged to walk only in the daylight.

4) Make children visible. Brightly colored clothes can help drivers spot younger children. When selecting clothing to wear to school, it is also important that parents make sure that hats, scarves, and other clothing items do not block or impede children's visibility. Make sure that your child can see clearly. This allows the child to spot cars and other potential dangers on the road.

The Florida Department of Transportation is responsible for the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycle Program, which has a dedicated staff, many resources, and educational materials to help prevent Florida pedestrian accidents. The Florida Pedestrian and Bicycle Program makes educational brochures available and also runs the Florida School Crossing Guard Program and the Florida Traffic Safety Education Program.

The Florida Pedestrian and Bicycle Program is designed to help pedestrians (which in Florida are defined as anyone “afoot, in a wheelchair, on skates, or on a skateboard” enjoy safe and pleasant walking. The program also aims to assist bicyclists enjoy safe and convenient tours and bike trips. The program aims to reduce pedestrian accidents and automobile accidents involving bicyclists.

One of the most interesting programs run by the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycle Program is the Safe Ways to School program. According to a study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation, only one out of six Florida children take a bike or walk to school. Five out of six Florida children get to school by bus or by private motor vehicle. This can actually create unsafe walking conditions, as it creates traffic congestion around schools and increases overall traffic.

The Florida Department of Transportation in conjunction with the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycle Program have launched the Safe Ways to School program to encourage walking to school. As the organizations point out, walking to school encourages exercise, which is essential at a time when childhood cardiovascular disease and obesity are at all-time high. Safe Ways to School is modeled on the Melville, Australia program "Safe School Routes,” which won a number of awards. Safe School Routes created solutions to traffic congestion and launched school initiatives such as safe houses and bus solutions to encourage safe spaces where children could walk to school.

The Florida Department of Transportation Safe Ways to School similarly uses traffic congestion and other incentives to encourage walking and to make walking to school safer. The Safe Ways to School focuses on infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions. For example, the program aims to improve sidewalks, add signs, and reduce traffic in school areas. The program also focuses on non-infrastructure solutions such as enforcement of pedestrian and automobile legislation. The program has a school kit available for educators who wish to know more about the program.

Many parents want their children to walk to school or to get the exercise needed to stay healthy. However, fears of pedestrian accidents and other dangers propel many parents to drive their children almost everywhere. This may not only encourage obesity, but may cause children to become overly dependent on cars. The Florida Department of Transportation hopes to change all this in the near future.

A Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) report released about the government gives some insight into Florida’s fatal pedestrian accidents – and offers some tools for reducing the accident rates. According to the report and according to findings reported by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 28,970 fatal pedestrian accidents and 465,000 pedestrian injuries took place in the United States between 1990 and 1994. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) reports that roughly 9% of total US pedestrian accidents and pedestrian injuries occur in Florida. Pedestrian fatalities in Florida account for about 20% of car accident fatalities and 14% of traffic accident injuries.

The CUTR report finds that pedestrians and motorists do certain things to cause many pedestrian accidents, and this suggests that many of these accidents are preventable. According to the report, crash location and age of pedestrians affect fatalities. In Florida, the youngest and oldest walkers are most likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians between 65 and 74 years of age are most likely to be killed in pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians moving along the roadway with traffic, and pedestrians who are crossing a roadway far from the intersection are most likely to be involved in an accident.

The CUTR report suggests that education of motorists and pedestrians can be a useful way to reduce accidents. Enforcement of laws against reckless driving can also help curb some of the behaviours that lead to pedestrian accidents, according to the report. The report also finds that increasing “WALK” signal times, and limiting vehicle turning movements can also help reduce the personal injuries and fatalities caused by pedestrian crashes.

The report does not suggest that motorists are not responsible for pedestrian accidents. CUTR finds that motorists who speed, drive carelessly, run stop signs and stop lights, and who refuse to yield the right-of-way dramatically increase pedestrian accident rates. Poor driving does increase the odds of pedestrian accidents and also increases the odds that those accidents will be fatal.