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College campuses are usually high density areas surrounded by intersecting major roads and highways. Bicycling and walking are the preferred methods of transportation to get to lecture halls, labs, dorms and other facilities when on campus. The combination of high population density, major roads, pedestrians, and bicyclists make this a potentially dangerous situation. 

John Hopkins University did a study of 59 crashes, which were reported to its campus security. Of those crashes, 12 percent involved a pedestrian getting injured. The main issue, found by the researchers, was a lack of synchronization of the “walk” signal and traffic lights.

An $8.8 million construction safety project was approved by Orange County Florida officials to improve pedestrian safety near the University of Central Florida (UCF) Orlando campus. This improvement project was caused by recent accidents in the area.

• A 19-year-old female UCF student was hit by a car while crossing a street.
• A 21-year-old male student died in April 2018 from injuries suffered when walking across the street in a crosswalk.
• Another 19-year-old female student died crossing the street near campus in 2014.

County officials say that Phase 1 of the safety project will include adding more pedestrian lighting, putting up median fencing, installing a 10-foot pedestrian/bike path, improving crosswalks and adding more signage.

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department and Esurance have the following tips for motorists when encountering bicyclists and pedestrians.

Motorist Pedestrian Safety Tips

• Know where children are located.
• Slow down for crosswalks.
• Practice driveway safety.
• Consider driving conditions.
• Leave your smart phone alone.
• Stay alert for all pedestrians, including those with special needs.

Motorist Bicycle Safety Tips

• Drivers MUST give bicyclists a minimum of three feet of clearance when driving alongside or passing them. It’s the law.
• When turning, yield to any bicyclist in the bike lane and make your turn behind the cyclist.
• Avoid using high beam headlights when you see a bicyclist approaching.
• Before opening a car door, check for bicyclists who may be approaching from behind. 

Florida Statute 316.123 states a vehicle approaching a pedestrian legally crossing the street at an intersection must yield or stop to allow the person walking to cross. This applies to bicyclists as well as motor vehicle drivers. If drivers fail to yield, they face a minimum citation of $164 and three points on their driver’s license.

“Drivers have a responsibility for watching out for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers. Should you or a loved one be injured in an accident, please contact us. We have the experience to assist you, and there are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you,” said Randall Spivey, Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Attorney at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 

Fort Myers Pedestrian 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.