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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) 2015 year-to-date statistics show that Lee County, with 41 traffic fatalities, has had an increase in traffic fatalities of 32 percent over the same period last year. This places Lee County in the top four counties in Florida for traffic fatality increases this year.  The News-Press Saturday, May 23, 2015, edition reported the following for Lee County:

• 24 Driver deaths
• 7 Passenger deaths
• 9 Pedestrian deaths
• 1 Bicyclist death

Fort Myers had 18 of the 41 fatalities, or 44 percent. Six deaths occurred on I-75 which had more fatalities than any other road in Lee County. Collier County, according to FDOT, had two more deaths than 2014 with 13.

What is the cause:

FHP (Florida Highway Patrol) Lt. Greg Bueno told The News-Press that the increase in traffic can increase the probability of crashes.  This, however, is not necessarily  the cause in these accidents.  Lt. Bueno believes that "not following the rulebook" is the major cause.

Not all investigations of 2015 traffic fatalities have been completed, but of those that have been, it is reported that 62 percent involved one or more of the following factors and the majority  happened at intersections and stop lights/stop signs:

• Excessive speed
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs

Jay Anderson, Executive Director of Stay Alive ... Just Drive! believes that after the first year of driving,  people let their guards down. "Every time you get behind the wheel, you're at risk. But people stop considering that."

"Everyone knows the rules of the road when they get their first drivers' licenses. However, knowing the rules and following them may be different. We feel a brief 'refresher' in the rules where injuries and deaths have most recently occurred, is appropriate. Below is that list," said Fort Myers Vehicle Injury Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

1. Intersections - Florida law says drivers are to look both ways for oncoming cars at all time, even when the driver may have the right-of-way. (Florida Statute 316.123)
2. Stop Lights/Stop Signs - Florida drivers are to come to full stops at stop lights and stop signs. (Florida Statute 316.075)
3. Speed Limits - Florida drivers are to drive at the posted limits. (Florida Statute 316.183)

What to do after being involved in a vehicle accident caused by failure to follow Florida's laws:

"Failing to follow Florida's traffic laws would need to be proven by evidence as the cause of the accident in order for those injured to be compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other allowable compensatory damages. Those involved in traffic accidents may find it difficult to maneuver through the various aspects of a potential law suit. They should seek medical attention and notify their insurance companies immediately following the accident. However, they should not sign any insurance company settlement offers without first consulting an experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorney at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.," said Attorney Spivey.  

Fort Myers 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.