South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog

The Florida Department of Highway Safety has just released a comprehensive look at 2009 traffic safety and this is the first in a series of posts by the South Florida injury lawyers at Freeman & Mallard.

We believe taking a comprehensive look at the data will allow motorists to avoid car accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm and the surrounding areas. Knowledge is power and knowing where, when and why accidents are happening can be a powerful tool to help keep you and your family safe on the road.

The good news for motorists is that fatal crashes in Florida dropped to the lowest rate on record last year. The number of fatal accidents decreased 14 percent to 2,563 from the 2,983 fatal crashes reported in 2008.

As the Sun-Sentinel reported, fatal Palm Beach car accidents were down 30 percent, from 198 in 2008 to 151 last year. Fatal Broward County car accidents dropped 20 percent, from 228 to 189.

"While multiple factors influence the numbers, the declining trends are a testament to the emphasis that law enforcement agencies, safety advocates and businesses have placed on saving lives on our roadways," said DHSMV Executive Director Julie L. Jones.

Most advocates cite less traffic and travel amid the downturn in the economy as the primary reason for the reduction.

Other highlights include:

-Alcohol related traffic fatalities declined 14 percent, from 1,169 deaths to 1,004. Note that those statistics still indicate that drunk driving is responsible for more than one-third of all fatal Florida traffic accidents.

-Fatal Florida motorcycle accidents declined by 24 percent, from 532 to 402.

-Fatal Florida bicycle accidents dropped 15 percent, from 118 to 100.

-Pedestrian fatalities in Florida decreased slightly, from 502 to 482.

-Fatal Florida accidents involving teenagers dropped by more than 20 percent, from 193 to 153.

In coming posts, we will take a more in-depth look at these statistics and see what can be learned by motorists that will help keep them safer on the road. Please check back often for updates.

Continue reading "South Florida injury attorneys to examine new data regarding Florida traffic fatalities in 2009" »

Florida cyclists have failed in an effort to prevent passage of a bill that requires bicyclists to use bike lanes whenever possible and to remain on the right side of the road.

Advocates for bicycling safety argued the measure will increase the risk of Palm Beach bicycle accidents and cycling accident elsewhere in South Florida, the Examiner reported.

While many motorists favor the measure -- claiming that is where riders should be anyway -- cyclists had urged Gov. Charlie Crist to veto the bill. They claim bike lanes, like those along A1A in Palm Beach County, are not safe and riding on the right side of the road is even more dangerous.

Florida is the most dangerous state in the nation for serious and fatal bicycle accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 716 cyclists were killed in 2008 and more than 52,000 were injured. Nearly 1 in every 5 fatalities nationwide resulted from a Florida bicycle accident. A total of 125 riders were killed in Florida that year. California, which reported 109 fatalities, was the only other state to report more than 100 deaths.

The Florida Bicycle Association vowed to regroup and fight for cycling rights during next year's legislative session.

Palm Beach motorists had complained that cycling in the road poses a danger, especially on A1A where there are no bike lanes.

Bicycle Safe provides cyclists with tips for avoiding dangerous accident scenarios:

The Right Cross: The most common type of accident is a T-bone collision with a car crossing from the right at an intersection. Riding tips include using a headlight and horn, slowing down and riding further to the left.

The Door Prize: Ride to the left when traveling along parked cars to avoid being hit by an opening car door.

The Crosswalk Slam: Riders are often struck in crosswalks by a motorist turning onto the street. Using a headlight, slowing down and avoiding crosswalks can help reduce the chances of this type of accident.

Wrong Way Wreck: Don't ride against traffic. Riding on the left side of the street increases your risk of an accident.

Red Light of Death: Riders are often struck at a traffic light by a car making a right turn. Avoid stopping in a vehicle's blind spot and make sure the coast is clear before proceeding after the light turns green.

Right Hook: This type of accident frequently occurs when a driver misjudges the speed of a rider and attempts to turn right in front of a cyclist. Riding further to the left and using mirrors to watch for approaching traffic can help reduce the risk.

Left Cross: In this type of accident, a car turning left across traffic collides with a cyclist entering the intersection. Using a headlight, wearing bright clothing, slowing down, and avoiding sidewalk riding can reduce your risk.

The Rear End: Being struck from behind can occur when a rider weaves in and out of parked cars or other traffic obstructions. Using mirrors and signals can help reduce the risk.

Continue reading "Palm Beach bicycle accidents at issue as Governor signs new law" »