Florida DOT Launches New Safety Campaign to Lower Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

The Florida Department of Transportation and law enforcement officials recently launched their “Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow…Safety Doesn’t Happen By Accident” public awareness campaign to reduce the number of bicycle and pedestrian accidents in our state. State officials have targeted Hillsborough and Miami-Dade counties for a four-week trial period of the campaign with plans to include all Florida counties in the weeks and months ahead. Florida is the most dangerous state in the country for pedestrian and bicycle accidents, and Orlando personal injury lawyers such as James O. Cunningham applaud and support any measures that make roadways safer for non-motorized traffic.

Orlando has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the most dangerous place in the country for pedestrian accidents, but Hillsborough County is not far behind.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Maj. J.R. Burton spoke recently at the rollout for the campaign and provided some perspective about the scope of pedestrian safety problems in his area.

"If the Tampa Bay area were a state, we’d be 16th in the country for number of pedestrian deaths per year," he said during the rollout ceremony.

Law enforcement is a big part of the campaign, with officers throughout Florida planning to issue citations to drivers and pedestrians alike for violating rights of way and ignoring other safety regulations. The FDOT also is planning an aggressive public awareness campaign using state pedestrian and bicycle accident statistics such as these:

• More than 40 percent of all pedestrian accident fatalities involve alcohol consumption by the driver or pedestrian.
• Over four in ten (43%) of fatal pedestrian accidents occur at night on lighted streets.
• Nearly one in four (22.7%) of all traffic accidents causing deaths and injuries in our state involve pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Nearly half (48%) of fatal pedestrian accidents occur when pedestrians cross a roadway at a location other than an intersection.

If you are a victim of a bicycle or pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you have a right to seek damages against the driver to help pay medical bills and compensate you for lost income and other damages. However, before you begin negotiating with the driver or their insurance company, it is highly recommended that you speak with and retain the services of an experienced Orlando pedestrian or bicycle accident lawyer such as Mr. Cunningham. He can protect your rights, look out for your best interest and help you make informed decisions about which course of legal action will be best for you and your family. Call him today at 386-243-4994.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.