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Between January 1, 2023, and June 2, 2023, there have already been 3,442 bicycle accidents in Florida, resulting in 87 tragic deaths, according to the Florida Crash Dashboard, compiled by the Florida Highway Safety Motor Vehicle Department (FLHSMV).

Here are the bicycle accident statistics for Southwest Florida counties:

• Charlotte County – 13 crashes, 1 fatality
• Collier County – 100 crashes, 1 fatality
• Lee County – 143 crashes, 5 fatalities

Fort Myers Bike Accident Attorney Explains Why Motorists Need to be Particularly Diligent When Driving in the Summer

“During the summer months of June and July, there is an increase in drivers, an increase in bicyclists, continued road construction, and distracted drivers, all potential contributing factors to an increase in bicycle accidents,” said Fort Myers Bike Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Increase in Bicycle Riders

The number of bicycle accidents in Southwest Florida increases in summer, not just in Florida, but all over the U.S. Bicycling is a common mode of transportation and with school students on summer vacation, more children and adults are sharing the roads with other traffic on their bikes.

Increase in Drivers

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 57 percent of Floridians plan to take a summer vacation, and 87 percent plan to do so by road this summer.

VISIT FLORIDA estimated that Florida welcomed 35.1 million visitors between July and September 2022, a 6.9 percent increase over Q3 2021, and the fifth consecutive quarter of overall visitation surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

There is an increase in drivers, both residents and visitors, during the summer months, and last year in June and July 2022, there were 107,048 crashes with 499 deaths and 2,385 serious bodily injuries. During the same time period, law enforcement issued 3,165 citations for unlawful speed, while 2,349 crashes resulted from excessive speed, according to the FLHSMV.

Road Construction

Road construction seems to be continuous in Southwest Florida, and summer is no exception. Orange traffic cones and construction signs are everywhere and require special attention from drivers and bikers. When vehicle drivers slow down for construction, they may speed up to make up for lost time and be distracted from their responsibility of watching out for others on the road. Colonel Gary Howze II, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said, “As summer arrives, we want you to arrive alive; FHP Troopers stand ready to enforce all traffic violations and are committed to public safety. Remember always to obey all traffic laws and be courteous to other road users while traveling in our great state this summer.”    

Distracted Driving

Summertime often brings more distractions. The addition of more bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers in route to a summer vacation, may lead drivers to be distracted by smartphones, or they may be overly fatigued after spending hours driving. Distractions can cause drivers not to notice bicyclists, with bicyclists being injured or tragically killed in accidents.

Fort Myers Bike Accident Attorney Assists Accident Victims

If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a bike accident because of the negligence of another, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 24/7 after seeking medical assistance.

It may be natural to feel overwhelmed after suffering injuries in a bicycle accident, and an accident victim may be tempted to forego seeking medical treatment. Nevertheless, the best course of action is to undergo a thorough medical evaluation immediately. Some injuries need to be diagnosed accurately and treatment should be started as quickly as possible. Failing to see a physician promptly can result in a medical emergency.

Also, Florida’s 14-day accident law requires accident victims to seek medical care within 14 days of a vehicle accident to receive personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. PIP is a form of insurance that covers some medical expenses and other damages, such as lost wages and death benefits.

Spivey Law Firm represents people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation.

Please contact us at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or online at SpiveyLaw.com.