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Neighbors in North Fort Myers living off Bayshore Road are calling for a change at an intersection that was the scene of two separate tragic pedestrian deaths last month. The accidents happened off Bayshore Road that is a two-lane road with a very busy intersection. Often drivers are speeding in the area, and residents are calling for changes before other tragedies occur.

Lt. Greg Bueno of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said, “Anytime a pedestrian is near a roadway or bicyclist, you have to be 100% cautious behind the wheel, focus on your actions because we want to do everything in our power to prevent those tragedies from occurring. This season, we noticed the difference already, traffic in our roadways, the volume of cars, and unfortunately the tragedy that is occurring in our roadways. We want to do everything in our power to prevent these tragedies from occurring.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that more than 50 percent of the combined total of fatal and injury crashes occur at or near intersections. There are many intersections in Lee County, and in October 2020, WINK News conducted a survey of viewers asking them what intersections they thought were the most dangerous. Views said:

• Fort Myers
• Six Mile Cypress Parkway and Colonial Boulevard
• Colonial Boulevard and Summerlin Road
• Cape Coral
• Pine Island Road and Del Prado Boulevard North.
• Bonita Springs
• Old 41 Road and Terry Street (roundabout)

How To Prevent Intersection Accidents?

Experts suggest drivers do the following to prevent tragic intersection accidents:

1. Notice the Surroundings – Drivers should always stay vigilant when driving. Intersections are particularly dangerous for pedestrians. Visibility may be a problem at some intersections because of buildings, trees, and other vehicles. Almost half (44.1 percent) of intersection crashes are caused by inadequate surveillance of surroundings.
2. Speeding – Speeding is always a hazard when driving, particularly at intersections. Drivers cannot anticipate what another driver will do. If they are speeding, there is less time to react to other motorists’ actions.
3. Maintain a Safe Distance – Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles will allow drivers to compensate if someone should pull out in front of them. The difference of a few feet can make a big difference in avoiding a crash.
4. Always Use Signals – When turning or changing lanes, using signals is important. This gives other drivers enough time to plan for another motorist’s intentions.
5. Enter Intersections Carefully – When at a traffic light, the FHP says the most dangerous time to enter the intersection is when the traffic light turns yellow or has just turned green. Many people try to beat yellow lights. Also, when a traffic light turns green, it is safer to be cautious even if you have the right-of-way. Where there is a four-way stop, drivers need to be aware that others may not stop.

Florida Statutes Regarding Intersections

It is important to always drive safely and to remember Florida’s statutes on intersection driving. Florida Statute 316.121 Vehicles approaching or entering intersections says: 

(1) The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that has entered the intersection from a different highway.

(2) When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at the same time the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.

(3) The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a state-maintained road or highway from a paved or unpaved road and not subject to control by an official traffic control device shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the state-maintained road or highway.

(4) The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a paved county-maintained or city-maintained road or highway from an unpaved road or highway and not subject to control by an official traffic control device shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on said paved road or highway.

Fort Myers Intersection Lawyers Assist Victims in Getting Accident Injury Compensation

If you or a loved one is injured in an intersection accident because of the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation for such things as past, present, and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Fort Myers intersection lawyers are available to assist you 24/7. After seeking medical attention, please contact Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839.