Broward Injury Lawyer Blog
One of two women who were hit by a motor vehicle in a recent Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident has died. The tragic accident happened as the two elderly women attempted to cross 26th Northeast Avenue. After they were hit by an oncoming vehicle, they were both taken to the Broward General Medical Center. The survivor was in critical condition late last month, according to the Sun Sentinel.
According to the City of Fort Lauderdale’s website, officials recognize the dangers that pedestrians face on our roadways, and say that they are working diligently to tackle the challenge of pedestrian safety. While much of this effort is focused on younger pedestrians, elderly pedestrians are oftentimes left to fend for themselves. These pedestrians require a longer time to get across the roadway and they require much attention from passing motorists. Treat all pedestrians you see as if they were one of your grandparents. Everyone walking along our roadways deserves the same caution and respect.
Our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers understand that Florida has been ranked as the number one most dangerous state in the country for pedestrian accidents. Florida holds four spots for the top 10 most dangerous metro areas in the nation. As a matter of fact, it’s estimated that a pedestrian is injured in a traffic-related accident every eight minutes. What’s most unfortunate is that these kinds of accidents are oftentimes the result of inattentive motorists and pedestrians failing to use crosswalks. With a conscious effort from both parties we can help to significantly reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
Let’s break it down a little bit. From 2000 to 2009, there were nearly 5,200 pedestrians killed while walking in Florida, according to Transportation for America. All of these accidents cost the state more than $22 billion.
Most Dangerous Metro Areas in Florida:
-Fort Lauderdale/Pompano Beach/Miami
-Clearwater/St. Pete/Tampa
-Kissimmee/Orlando
-Jacksonville
-Fort Myers/Cape Coral
From 2000 to 2009, Broward County saw nearly 465 pedestrian fatalities. In our area, more than 21 percent of traffic fatalities were experienced by pedestrians.
With the beautiful weather we see year round, it’s no wonder why residents and visitors enjoy spending time outside of their vehicles and out in the Florida sunshine. Unfortunately, with this beautiful weather and increase in walkers, we’re bound to see more pedestrian accidents. Make sure to walk in areas with sidewalks. Be sure to wear brightly-colored clothing to help motorists to see you more easily. Make sure to always use a crosswalk to cross the street. Make sure to look into a driver’s eyes so that they acknowledge you before crossing the street in front of them. These are all just a couple of simple safety tips that can help to save your life while walking along our busy Florida roadways. Get out there and have fun, but be safe. Be cautious of one another and let’s work together to share the road safely.
If you or someone who is close to you has been injured or has been killed in a pedestrian accident in in Broward County or in any of the nearby areas, contact Fort Lauderdale Accident Lawyer Richard Ansara at 954 761-3641 or toll-free at 877-277-3780 for a free initial consultation. Call us at any time.
Additional Resources:
One pedestrian dies after weekend crash in Fort Lauderdale, by Linda Trischitta, Sun Sentinel
More Blog Entries:
Road Design Causing Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents in Broward and Miami-Dade, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, February 26, 2012
