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It may be two months since Hurricane Irma hit Southwest Florida, but it seems like yesterday. In traveling around our area there are still downed stop signs, and other traffic signs are in disrepair, twisted and/or leaning. Because of this situation, drivers may be left to their own discretion to stop and look before proceeding on roads and streets resulting in the potential for accidents. 

Safety rules still apply even when stop signs may not be visible. When Mother Nature causes a change in our driving environment, every driver needs to be extra cautious especially when entering unmarked intersections, changing lanes, turning, passing and merging into traffic. Drivers should always look both ways and proceed with caution.

According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle 2017 Drivers’ Handbook, at a four–way intersection, traffic from all four directions must stop. The first vehicle to reach the intersection should move forward first. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. 

NBC-2 reported that Lee County, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers admit that toppled and flattened stop signs are a hazard. Prior to Hurricane Irma the Department of Transportation (DOT) had a sign-repair/replace plan ready. First priorities following the storm were to clear roads of downed trees and restore traffic signals to working condition. Those things have been accomplished, according to the DOT. It further reported that immediately following that work it started on sign replacement/repair. These activities are on-going. 

Drive safely until stop signs can be repaired and/or replaced. 

Florida counties recommend: 

• Traffic patterns may be shifted in work zones; obey posted work zone speed limits at all times. Be aware of equipment and workers. 
• Constantly scan for pedestrians who can quickly lose their footing.
• Obey all “road closed” signs. Just because you cannot see road damage does not mean it is safe.
• Treat any intersection with non-working traffic signals as an “all-way” stop. Be prepared to stop at every intersection.
• Not all damaged or destroyed road signs have been replaced; be prepared to yield to a pedestrian or another driver or to stop unexpectedly.
• Know where you are going and give yourself ample time to get there.
• Drive with car lights on and slow down.
• Match your speed to road conditions.
• Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. 

“If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a negligent driver, contact us; we have the experienced team to assist you,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Fort Myers Car 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.