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The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center said in their research brief, “An Overview of Automated Enforcement Systems and Their Potential for Improving Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety” that, “Data on the total number of bicyclist and pedestrian injuries and deaths as a result of traffic crashes reveals persistent problems.”

In 2016, 840 bicyclists and 5,987 pedestrians in the United States were killed in traffic crashes, according to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). On average, this equates to a pedestrian being killed nearly every 1 ½ hours. Speeding was involved in 427 pedestrian and 56 bicyclist fatalities. In 2015 (most recent data available) an estimated 45,000 bicyclists and 70,000 pedestrians were injured.

The NHTSA reported that in 2016, 26 percent of pedestrian fatalities and 37 percent of bicyclist fatalities occurred at all different types of intersections. Acquiring precise data on the number of accidents that involved red-light running is difficult. However, there is data in 2014 that more than 60 percent of people killed in red-light running crashes were road users other than the driver running a red light.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) recommends intersection treatments which may help deter intersection accidents. These include:

Advanced stop lines – These stop lines are a set of stop lines which are placed at intersections which are controlled by traffic lights. They allow for a safe place for bicyclists to be at the head of the line of waiting traffic when traffic lights change to green. They are very popular with cyclists in England.

Intersection median barriers - This shortened version of a raised curb median extends through the intersection to prevent cross-street-through movements and left-turning movements to cross-streets from the main street.

Modified T-intersections – This design treatment is intended for certain T-intersections on lower-volume streets in residential areas where there is a need to reduce the speeds of through traffic. It involves a gradual curb extension, or bulb, at the top of the T, such that vehicles are deflected slightly as they pass straight through the intersection.

The FHA further recommends that pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers take the following steps, in this sequence, to avoid accidents at all intersections:

Step 1: Search – Both driver and bicyclist or pedestrian scan their environment for potential hazards.

Step 2: Detect – One or both parties (bicyclist, pedestrian, or motor vehicle) sees the other.

Step 3: Evaluate – The threat of collision is recognized, along with the need for action to avoid it.

Step 4: Decide – Assess risk and select the actions necessary to avoid a collision. This may involve judging location, speed, direction of travel, position in traffic, likely behavior, and other factors.

Step 5: Action – This step involves the successful performance of the appropriate action(s) to avoid a collision.

“Pedestrians and bicyclists are injured frequently at our Southwest Florida intersections and on our roads. It is a driver’s primary role to drive responsibly and watch out for others. Should you or a loved one be injured because of the negligence of another while walking or bicycling, contact our experienced legal team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.,” said Fort Myers Accident Attorney, Randall 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.