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“In spite of new technology in vehicles, 2015 was a bad year for fatalities in Southwest Florida. We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. urge everyone to do his/her part to reduce motorcycle, bicycle and all vehicle fatalities and injuries,” said Southwest Florida Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey. 

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reports that transportation professionals are embracing a goal of zero road fatalities. NHTSA says, “They aren’t promising the goal will be reached, but they want to raise the bar.” 

The United States, experts agree, still has a long way to go. In 2015: 

• More than 35,000 people died on U.S roadways. It was the biggest jump (7.2 percent) in one year since 1965.
• Cyclist deaths year-over-year rose 12.2 percent.
• Motorcyclist deaths rose 8.3 percent. 

Florida had 2,938 traffic fatalities, 153 bicycle fatalities and 632 pedestrian fatalities in 2015 according to FIRES (Florida’s Integrated Report Exchange System). 

Lee, Charlotte and Collier Counties have adopted “Complete Streets” programs in an effort to make our roads safer for all users. 

Lee County: In 2011, Lee County passed a “Complete Streets Resolution” and adopted the Lee County MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan, which identified 758 miles of sidewalk gaps and 668 miles of bikeway gaps in the county. The plan unveiled “a bold vision to address the problem: an accessible complete street network that prioritizes the needs of those who walk, bicycle, and use transit in the planning and design of all road projects.” 

A regional transportation summit was held in Cape Coral in late September 2016 at which county municipal leaders, engineers and planners discussed a “complete streets” campaign aiming for “intelligently designed streets that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians can use comfortably. 

At the Summit, Dan Burden, a noted authority on pedestrian and bicycle safety suggested a road diet. “Road diet” means right-sizing lane widths and the number of traffic lanes to make room for walkers and bicycle riders, and to discourage unsafe driving speeds. 

Ian Lockwood, International President of the Institute of Transportation, is working with the city of Bonita Springs and the Lee County government on ways to make Bonita Beach Road more user-friendly to pedestrians and bicycle riders. The road links the city’s only Interstate 75 exchange with its beach. But despite running six lanes wide at its broadest segment, it is prone to traffic jams and slowdowns, according to the News Press. 

Charlotte County: According to WINK News, nearly $2 billion is being spent by Charlotte County on a plan to improve roads over the next 25 years. Burnt Store Road is a top priority for officials as the road connects Charlotte County with Lee County and also serves as an evacuation route. Another top project is Harborview Road, a frequently used exit off Interstate 75. 

“Harborview Road, it’s a scary death trap; it’s two lanes of roadway, traffic. The posted speed is 45 mph but most people don’t do that,” said Robert Herrington, MPO Director. 

In addition to expanding Harborview Road, the county wants to focus on improving pedestrian safety. The plan is to add crosswalks to 10 intersections along U.S. 41. With Charlotte County’s growing population, officials want to give people another way to get around. 

Collier County: According to the Florida Department of Transportation District 1 Road Watch Report for the week of July 24, 2016, construction was finishing up on a multi-use pathway on the south side of US 41 from Six L’s Farm Road to CR 92/San Marco Road to make the road safer under the complete street program. 

“If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, please contact our experienced attorneys to determine your rights,” said Attorney Randall Spivey. 

Fort Myers Auto Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.