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A 26-year-old woman died in a crash on State Road 80 (SR-80) the weekend of September 7, 2019. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reported that a male driver was driving a Dodge Caravan around a curve on SR-80 when he attempted to pass in a no-passing zone. The female driver was coming around the corner in the opposite direction when the male driver hit her Kia Rio, which then fell into an embankment. 

Captain Susan Harrelle with the Hendry County Sheriff's Office said the crash slowed or stopped traffic on SR-80 for more than four hours. “We had a terrible traffic crash there. We had one fatality. They trauma lifted another person. We’ve had a number of accidents just this year,” said Harrelle. 

The news media reports that the intersection of SR-80 and County Road 833 (CR-833) is under question after an unusually high number of wrecks in the area. The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office told the media that there have been 14 crashes in that area already this year, the highest total in over three years for that stretch of road. 

Many large commercial trucks, carrying cattle, sugar, and other agricultural goods, often frequent SR-80, according to the sheriff’s office.  “It’s an alleyway between the east coast and the west coast so there’s going to be a lot of travel,” Harrelle said.   

There are also 11 miles of construction along SR-80, which makes the intersections dangerous and traffic only able to travel in one lane. Drivers are asking for a stoplight, and others just want the construction project to finish. Construction is expected to be completed by 2020.

The Florida Highway Administration recommends the following driving tips for driving in construction zones:

Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions

• Dedicate your full attention to the roadway
• Avoid changing the radio station, using a mobile phone, eating, or other distractions that can remove your concentration from the road

Keep Your Headlights On

Pay Attention to the Road

• Listen to the signs
• Watch brake lights on vehicles ahead
• Watch traffic around you and be prepared to react

Merge into the Proper Lane

• Merge well before you reach the lane closure
• Be aware that traffic patterns can change daily

Don't tailgate

• Follow other vehicles at a safe distance

Obey the Posted Speed Limit

• Workers may be present just feet away
• Fines may be doubled for moving traffic violations
• Be prepared to slow down further if conditions indicate the need

Change Lanes Safely

• Change lanes only where pavement markings indicate and only when traffic conditions permit

Follow Instructions from Flaggers

Expect the Unexpected

• Workers, work vehicles, or equipment may enter your lane without warning
• Other vehicles may slow, stop, or change lanes unexpectedly

Be Patient

“Driving in construction zones is different from regular driving conditions. We urge drivers to heed the Florida Highway Administration’s recommendations on how to navigate construction zones. If you or a loved one is injured in a construction zone accident, we are prepared to assist you 24/7. Our 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,” 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.