South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
Travel during and around the holidays is always a difficult time but what we aren’t prepared for is the craziness that holiday shopping brings since it really only happens a few weeks out of the year.
This is a time when parking lots are filled to capacity for those shoppers looking for the best deal or the last minute procrastinators. The risk becomes much higher for Florida shoppers who are involved in pedestrian accidents this time of year.
According to FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System), used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to report fatalities, the months of November and December lend to the most pedestrian fatalities in the state of Florida. In fact, the NHSTA reported a total of 463 pedestrian fatalities in 2009, 113 of those fatalities occurred in November (55) and December (58). It is likely that these months rate highest because more pedestrians are out doing holiday shopping during these two months than any other months of the year. The rest of the year’s reported fatalities are almost half in comparison each month.
So if you find yourself out at the stores during busy times of the year, put yourself on high alert. Drivers are easily distracted with the excitement of buying gifts for loved ones while pedestrians may have just dealt with the frustration of having to wait in long check-out lines. When you get in a vehicle be extra cautious of the pedestrians moving around your vehicle.
November and December gives cause to both driver and pedestrian to triple check your surroundings before you take your first step or put your car into gear.
The Florida Highway Patrol has numerous tips to offer as you head out and about the next few months. The FHP wants everyone to be more cautious and aware in order to reduce the risk of injury or even worse, fatality.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a Southern Florida pedestrian accident, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Freeman & Mallard. Call toll free at 800-529-2368.