Latest Blogs

In a decade-long study of preventable pedestrian deaths in the U.S., four Florida metro areas were designated as the most dangerous in the country: Orlando-Kissimmee, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Jacksonville and Miami-Fort Lauderdale came in at the top of the list of the 52 largest metro areas in the country. (Source: Tampa Bay Times, May 20, 2014)

The New-Press (June 9, 2014) reported that Lee County's pedestrian fatality rate was 78 percent higher than the national average in the period 2003 to 2012. That was 2.77 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people, compared to 1.56 nationwide and 2.83 for Florida overall.

People over the age of 65 years old account for nearly 21 percent of pedestrian fatalities nationwide. 4,394 children aged 15 and younger were killed while walking, according to highlights from Dangerous By Design 2014, a report on the highlights of preventable pedestrian fatalities.

Nearly 3 out of 4 pedestrian deaths occur in urban environments (73%), at non-intersections (70%), during the nighttime (70%), and many involve alcohol. More than a third (37%) of the pedestrians killed, and 1 in 8 (13%) of the drivers in pedestrian fatalities, had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .08 or  higher in 2011, the illegal limit in every State. Either the driver or pedestrian, or both, had some alcohol in 47% of all fatal pedestrian crashes.  (Source: NHTSA.gov)

"We, at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., are concerned about the high number of pedestrian fatalities across our country, and in Florida in particular. As Pedestrian Accident Attorneys, we would like to share some safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and TheBanner.com 'Traffic Enforcement' column," says Attorney Randall Spivey.

Safety Tips For Drivers

• Look out for pedestrians at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
•   Use extra caution when driving in hard- to-see conditions, such as nighttime or in bad  weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
• Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where there are children present.
• Be extra cautious when backing up – pedestrians can move into your path.

Safety Tips For Pedestrians

• Always look both ways before crossing the street when walking, jogging or running.
• Use designated crosswalks at intersections.
• Be sure to engage the pedestrian signal if one is available.
• Jaywalking (crossing mid-street) is dangerous, especially at night.
• Cross at the corner and in well-lighted areas.

 Florida Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer,  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.