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Every week the news media covers at least one pedestrian/vehicle accident in Florida. Here are just three of them which happened in the last few weeks. They are startling remembrances of just how many pedestrians are injured or killed on our roads.

• A Pennsylvania woman, who just arrived in Port Charlotte the night before for a vacation with her young family, was killed while walking with her child in a stroller on a road with no sidewalks. The accident happened on April 22, 2016.
• On Saturday, April 30, 2016 in West Melbourne, FL four pedestrians were injured, one seriously, when a sedan jumped the curb and slammed into a busy restaurant. Local police are still investigating the accident according to Florida Today.
• Detectives investigating the scene reported that two Lehigh Acres pedestrians suffered serious injuries on April 16, 2016 after being hit from behind by a hit-and-run truck driver.

 “Pedestrian accidents are tragic and need to be avoided. We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. fight for pedestrian rights. In an effort to eliminate pedestrian injuries and deaths on our roads, we would like to share some information from the American Automobile Association (AAA) on Practices for Drivers in keeping pedestrians safe,” said Port Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

AAA – Practices for Drivers:

Be Alert:

• Look out for pedestrians at all times. When you are operating a vehicle, you have accepted a heightened responsibility for other people on the road. Safety is a two-way street. Often, pedestrians, especially younger ones are not where they should be or where you would expect them to be. Remain vigilant at all times.
• Follow posted speed limits at all times, especially in areas of heavy pedestrian traffic. This is even more important in areas that have lower speed limits, such as school zones and neighborhood streets where pedestrians may appear suddenly.
• Overall visibility is limited in bad weather conditions and poorly lit areas. Not only is it more difficult for drivers to see oncoming pedestrians, it also is harder for pedestrians to see you. Make sure your lights are on, and you use your signals properly. Use extra caution in these circumstances.
• Be mindful of pedestrians when pulling into and out of driveways – especially if you are backing up. Pedestrians can easily enter your path without your knowledge.

Crosswalks:

(Florida law requires drivers to stop when pedestrians are attempting to cross streets in designated crosswalks and to allow the person to cross safely.)

• Always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
• When approaching a crosswalk, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop.
• When you are stopped at a crosswalk, allow enough room between your vehicle and the crosswalk so other drivers can see the pedestrians you have stopped for.
• Do not pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They have stopped to allow pedestrians to pass or make sure the way is clear.

Do not drive under the influence:

• Alcohol and drugs impair your reaction time, reflexes, decision-making skills and overall cognitive functions. Getting behind the wheel while impaired puts everyone in danger.

Port Charlotte 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.