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Florida can be a dangerous place for those who chose to travel by foot. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2014, there were 4,884 (including 588 in Florida) pedestrians killed and an estimated 65,000 injured in traffic crashes in the United States. Roads, intersections and even parking areas in Florida tend not to be designed with pedestrian safety as a primary concern. Traffic moves fast in Florida and tragically, pedestrians can often be left in unsafe positions because of reckless driving.

Pedestrian Safety

It is particularly true that pedestrians are susceptible to harm during the evening hours when the highest percentage of pedestrian-related traffic accidents occur, but there are steps both drivers and pedestrians can take to protect themselves.

For instance, wearing bright colors when lighting is poor can help catch the eye of drivers before an accident happens. Runners and bicyclists often wear reflective gear to make sure they are seen and pedestrians should consider doing the same.

Other safety tips include using properly-designated crossing areas at intersections and in parking lots, holding the hands of those who are unlikely to see or understand the risks automobiles can pose, and making eye contact with drivers to make sure both parties are aware of one another.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given out information about the rules of the road and ways pedestrians can protect themselves. Similarly, the Florida Department of Transportation continues its “Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow” initiative here in Florida to help bring awareness to pedestrian and bicycle safety.

The NHTSA has provided specific guidelines for children and their caretakers, as well as the “Stepping Out” resource for mature adults.  Generally, it is important that pedestrians remain alert, wear bright colors, avoid high traffic areas and dangerous intersections, wear suitable footwear and always remember to look before crossing.

Bad driving habits in Florida are all too prevalent and drivers need to take responsibility and remain alert for pedestrians. Examples of bad driving habits include driving while ill or upset; driving while eating or drinking; driving while talking on the phone; and, of course, driving while texting. Driving while not completely focused on the road can be disastrous for everyone involved.

Finding Help

Florida still remains above the national average when it comes to pedestrian-related accidents. In Florida, pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way. This doesn’t mean that pedestrians should be reckless, but it does mean that drivers must make concessions to pedestrians. This means that at intersections and in parking lots, automobiles must stop and allow pedestrians the right of way.

If a driver has injured you by failing to do so, seek medical help immediately and then contact us. Attorneys play a critical role in ensuring that injury claims are fully understood and the legal process is competently managed. A Fort Myers personal injury attorney like Randall Spivey can help you through the process, so don’t go it alone.

Remember that on average, a pedestrian is killed every 2 hours and injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes. It is important to understand your surroundings anytime you are near motor vehicles. If you or someone you love is injured, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. as soon as possible.