Motorcycle accidents

Distracted driving prevention program aimed at reducing car accidents in Southwest Florida

February 27, 2009 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

A new education program aimed at increasing awareness of the dangers of distracted driving is now available in Southwest Florida.

Florida injury lawyers and personal injury attorneys routinely handles crashes caused by distracted drivers and urge motorists to pay attention to the road for their own safety and the safety of those around them. Distracted driving often contributes to car accidents, motorcycle accident, trucking accidents, and accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians throughout Southwest Florida.

The program — offered by “Stay Alive… Just Drive!” and its founder, retired Fort Myers-area paramedic Jay Anderson — is available for purchase or for presentation to non-profit and other groups as an educational resource.

“It’s a very comprehensive presentation aimed at raising the awareness of distracted driving in all forms,” said Anderson, who likens distracted driving to driving while impaired by alcohol or other drugs.

Anderson is supporting Heather’s Law — Florida Senate Bill 172, which will be debated in the upcoming spring session of the Florida legislature — which would make it illegal to talk on the phone or text message while driving.

“Results of various studies have proven the dangers of distracted driving and obviously people are not going to make an attempt by themselves,” said Anderson of the law. If passed, Florida would join half-a-dozen states with similar restrictions.

The law is named for a Florida teenager who was killed in a crash with a truck driver, who was allegedly text messaging at the time.

The distracted driving presentation “LOL I”M NT BSY I’M ONLY DRIVING,” takes about 60 minutes.

Anderson said the typical driving distraction lasts three seconds — enough time for a car going 45 mph to travel more than half the length of a football field.

A 2006 study of 100 drivers by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found driver distractions are the cause of 80 percent of vehicle crashes and 65 percent of near misses.

Those wanting more information can call “Stay Alive … Just Drive!” at (239) 340-8693.
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Southwest Florida car accidents likely to occur at Lee County’s most dangerous intersections

February 25, 2009 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Southwest Florida motorists should pay close attention at Lee County’s most dangerous intersections, where serious car accidents are often a weekly occurrence.

Florida injury lawyers and personal injury attorneys often deal with serious personal injury cases resulting from car accidents, motorcycle accidents and trucking accidents at dangerous intersections in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, North Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres.

According to the Lee County Department of Transportation, 103,550 vehicles a day passed through the intersection of U.S. 41 and Cypress Lake/Daniels Parkway in the most recent year for which statistics are available. The 106 accidents, or almost two a week, make the Fort Myers intersection home to the most accidents in Southwest Florida.

However, Gunnery Road/Daniels Parkway and State Road 82 had the highest accident rate when figured by traffic volume — 53 crashes, or more than one a week, despite serving just 32,950 cars a day, or less than one-third the number of cars at U.S. 41 and Daniels.

Below is a listing of some of the area’s most dangerous intersections. Note that an intersection could have a smaller number of total accidents but rank higher in overall accident rate (accidents per vehicle) because of the amount of overall traffic at that intersection.

Dangerous intersections in Fort Myers led to a high number of car accidents at the following locations:
– Cypress Lake/Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41: 106 annual crashes is the most overall. Ranks 9th highest of 117 rated intersections according to the rate of accident per vehicle.
– Gladiolus Dr/Six Mile Cypress and U.S. 41: 94 annual crashes is second-highest overall. Ranks 11th of 117 rated intersections according to the rate of accidents per vehicle.
– College Parkway/Woodland Boulevard and U.S. 41: 79 crashes is third-highest overall. Ranks 13th of 117 rated intersections according to the rate of accidents per vehicle.
– Colonial Boulevard and Ortiz/Six Mile Cypress: 77 annual crashes is fourth highest overall. Ranks 16th highest of 117 rated intersections when adjusted for overall traffic figures.

Dangerous intersections in Lehigh Acres led to a high number of car accidents and other crashes:
– Gunnery Road/Daniels Parkway and SR 82: 53 accidents gives it the highest rate of accidents per vehicle of the 117 rated intersections in Lee County.
-Gunnery Road N and Lee Boulevard: 45 accidents gives it the 6th highest accident rate of 117 rated intersections in Lee County.

Dangerous accidents in Bonita Springs, Estero, San Carlos Park areas contribute to a large number of car accidents and other crashes:
– Corkscrew Road and Three Oaks Parkway: 43 accidents gives it the 7th highest accident rate of 117 rated intersections.
– Corkscrew Road and I-75 Exit 123 Northbound Ramp: 23 accidents is the 9th highest accident rate of 117 rated intersections.
– Alico Road and U.S. 41: 54 accidents is 17th overall.
– Bonita Beach Road and U.S. 41: 52 accidents is 24th highest accident rate of the 117 rated intersections.

North Fort Myers and Cape Coral intersections that have a high rate of car accidents and other crashes:
-Pondella Road and U.S. 41: 62 accidents is the 4th highest rate of the 117 rated intersections.
– Del Prado Boulevard S. and Veteran’s Parkway: 64 accidents is 12th highest rate of accidents of the 117th rated intersections.
– Pine Island Road and U.S. 41: 55 accidents is 15th highest rate of 117 rated intersections.

Click here for a complete list of intersections.
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Large crowds enjoyed Cape Coral Bike Night sponsored by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers

February 16, 2009 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Cape Coral bike night was enjoyed by more than 10,000 motorcycle riders from throughout Southwest Florida on Saturday night.

Thousands of motorcycles — including hundreds of custom one-of-a-kind choppers — drew crowds from throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte and North Port.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, once again provided primary sponsorship for the entire season — the final bike night is scheduled for Saturday April 11. The firm has been an advocate for motorcycle safety and motorcycle rights in Southwest Florida since 1971.

Live music, great food, raffles, apparel sales, a slow bike race and a $25,000 contest sponsored by Fort Myers Harley-Davidson, brought the motorcycle community out in force for what has become Southwest Florida’s largest motorcycle venue.

The City of Cape Coral shut down SE 47th Terrace and turned it over to motorcycle enthusiasts for the evening.

“The Cape Coral Bike Nights have turned into the area’s premier venue for motorcycle enthusiasts in Southwest Florida and we are pleased to be the primary sponsor,” said Bruce Scheiner, founder and senior attorney of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers.

Anyone wanting more information can visit www.ccbikenight.com or www.flbikers.com
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Southwest Florida motorcycle riders geared up for Cape Coral Bike Night sponsored by Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers

February 3, 2009 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

bikenightAbate2008%20079.jpg Motorcycle riders are gearing up for this Saturday night’s Cape Coral Bike Night.

Southwest Florida’s largest bike night draws riders from all over, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.

Primary sponsor Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, has been a supporter of motorcycle rights and motorcycle organizations in Florida for four decades and represents motorcyclists throughout Florida who have been injured or killed in motorcycle accidents. The firm also publishes the website www.flbikers.com, dedicated to motorcycle riding in Southwest Florida.

Florida accident attorneys warn of possible spike in uninsured motorists

January 26, 2009 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Nearly 1 in every 4 drivers on Florida roads is driving without insurance, a number likely to increase with a souring economy. The trend is prompting Florida injury lawyers to encourage motorists to make sure their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is adequate in the event of a serious accident.

The attorneys and staff at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, encourage Florida drivers to make sure they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. It can be purchased as stacked or unstacked.

Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Preston J. Scheiner, said motorists with more than one vehicle are encourage to purchase stacked coverage because it affords the potential for better benefits in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.

Scheiner said motorists should purchase as much coverage as they can afford. “It is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of being hit by an uninsured driver,” he said.

The recent report released by the Insurance Research Council ranked Florida as fifth-highest in the nation, with 23 percent of drivers without insurance, compared to a national average of 13 percent.

Florida joined New Mexico (29 percent), Mississippi (28 percent), Alabama (26 percent), and Oklahoma (24 percent) as the states with the highest number of uninsured motorists on the road.

While nationally the rate has decreased from 14.9 percent in 2003 to 13.8 percent in 2007, the Insurance Research Council reports the recent economic downturn is expected to trigger a sharp rise in the number of uninsured motorists on our roads.

“An increase in the number of uninsured motorists is an unfortunate consequence of the economic downturn and illustrates how virtually everyone is affected by recent economic developments,” said Elizabeth A. Sprinkel, senior vice president of the IRC.
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Will higher fines reduce Florida car accidents, reckless driving?

January 15, 2009 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Florida motorists will pay more for speeding, running red lights and other traffic infractions under a plan to raise money from motorists to help cover the looming state budget deficit.

Accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers handle hundreds of car accident and motorcycle accident cases in Southwest Florida each year caused by speeding motorists and a recent study suggests 1 in every 4 accidents is caused by a motorist who ignored a traffic control device.

In recent years, the state substantially increased the cost of red light violations, with a portion of the proceeds going to trauma centers, including Lee Memorial Hospital.

The Miami Herald reports running a red light would cost $208 under the new plan, while speeding 25 mph over the limit will come with a $258 fine.

Additionally, lawmakers would impose a new $10 charge on all traffic infractions, ranging from expired tags to running a stop sign. And the plan would eliminate the 18 percent discount available to violators who go to traffic school. And it would also take away the rights of a judge to waive the fine.

In some areas, the cost could be even higher because counties and cities have the option of imposing additional charges.

The state estimates the increases will bring in an additional $63 million a year.

Under state law, drivers who do not pay their fines face having their driver’s license suspended.
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Fatal traffic accidents decline in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs

January 13, 2009 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Fatal traffic crashes dropped by more than 30 percent in 2008. However, nearly 1 in every 5 fatal accidents involved a motorcycle, according to preliminary data from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Officials point to a souring economy, fewer travelers and skyrocketing gas prices as reasons for the drop, according to an article in The News-Press of Fort Myers.

Car accident attorneys and motorcycle accident lawyers at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, want to remind motorists to use caution on the roads as gas prices drop and we enter prime tourism season in Southwest Florida.

Please remember every season is motorcycle season in Southwest Florida and riders will be sharing the road with other motorists throughout the winter months.

The Highway Patrol reported 70 fatal accidents in Lee County last year, compared to 106 in 2007 and a record 150 in 2005.

Gas prices hit $4 a gallon this summer before dropping late in the year.

“When they were at $3.50 and $4 a gallon, people definitely were driving less,” AAA Division Manager David Pojero told The News-Press.

Lee County Sheriff’s Sgt. David Petracca indicated the cost of fuel also deterred some people from speeding and driving erratically as they sought to conserve fuel.

“They’re a little more cautious,” he said.

Law enforcement also expects to have issued more tickets in 2008 — final numbers will be available later this month.

At least 17 percent of fatal crashes involved a motorcycle. Preliminary statistics suggest at least 12 motorcycle riders were killed on Lee County Roads in 2008.

The sheriff’s office reported the last four fatalities it worked in 2008 involved a motorcycle rider.
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Southwest Florida points cameras at red light violators, aims to reduce accidents

January 8, 2009 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

The dangerous and deadly business of running red lights at Southwest Florida intersections is increasingly caught on camera – a costly, if not fatal error for the driver and evidence increasingly used in court by criminal and accident lawyers.

Lee County is testing a camera at Colonial Boulevard and Summerlin Road, The News-Press reports, and cameras at other intersections could be on the way.

Orlando and Collier County, including the City of Naples, already use the cameras and have written local laws to get around a state prohibition against ticketing offenders based on video evidence (current state law only allows such ticketing for toll cheaters).

The accident attorneys and staff at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers urge motorists to use caution at intersections. The firm has handled hundreds of cases where motorists are seriously injured or killed in an intersection accident because an offender was in a hurry and failed to stop at a red light or stop sign.

Lee County will use the camera to determine how many tickets it could issue and how many extra staff members it would take to process violators. State lawmakers are likely to take up the cause of allowing tickets to be issued this year, even without a special ordinance.

Detractors point out that vehicle owners would get the ticket in the mail, regardless of who was caught on camera driving. And there is some data to suggest that rear-end collisions have increased at intersections where cameras have been installed.

But the deadly issue is getting increased attention. Several years ago, the state doubled the cost of red-light tickets and passed a substantial portion of the proceeds on to trauma centers, including Lee Memorial Hospital, which deal with the carnage left in the wake of someone in too big of a hurry to pay attention to one of driving’s most basic safety requirements.

More than 13,000 crashes were reported at Lee County intersections during the last three years.

A recent nationwide study of deadly crashes at traffic signals found nearly 1 in 4 failed to obey the light, injuring more than 144,000 people nationwide in 2006. Nearly half the fatalities caused by red-light runners are pedestrians and vehicle passengers, according to information gathered by Jay Anderson, a retired Fort Myers-area paramedic and founder of “Stay Alive … Just Drive,” a campaign that urges motorists to concentrate on driving and avoid distractions like cell phones.

A 2007 California study found red-light runners were three times more likely to have multiple speeding convictions, were less likely to use seatbelts and drove smaller and older vehicles, further increasing their chance of serious injury or death.
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Fort Myers motorcycle accidents prompt cry for caution, awareness

December 23, 2008 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

A pair of motorcycle accidents in Fort Myers over the weekend serves as a stark reminder to motorists that bike-season is every season in Southwest Florida.

The motorcycle accident attorneys and staff at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, urge motorists to use caution and watch for bikers on our roads — the lack of afternoon rain in the winter often puts more bikes on the road as northern tourists and snowbirds hit the area from states where motorcycles have been stored for the winter.

In fact, research by www.flbikers.com shows a greater percentage of Floridians take to the road on their motorcycles than anywhere else in America and the state’s half a million registered motorcycles is second only to California in total number of motorcycle owners.

“Our season remains open 12 months out of the year,” said Frankie Kennedy, president of the Southwest Florida Chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education. “Snowbirds and visitors have to become reacquainted with the realization that they are sharing roads with motorcycles.”

A motorcycle accident with injuries was reported Monday afternoon in Estero on U.S. 41 at Williams Road. On Sunday, an 18-year-old Alva man was killed and a 16-year-old Fort Myers girl taken to the hospital in critical condition. The Florida Highway Patrol reported they were eastbound on State Road 80 approaching I-75 when their motorcycle collided with a car.

“In the last 30 to 45 days we have gone through a rash of bad wrecks,” Kennedy said. “I was at a funeral Sunday.”

Motorcycle riders also can benefit from frequently reviewing the basics of rider safety, which is available at www.flbikers.com. Meanwhile, Motorists need to take an extra moment of caution and remain aware, Kennedy said.

“They’ve got to be careful and watch out for them,” he said.
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Fort Myers – Cape Coral motorcycle lawyers team with Southwest Florida bikers for weekend of events

December 11, 2008 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

The motorcycle accident attorneys of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers are partnering with the City of Cape Coral and the Southwest Florida Chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education for a weekend of holiday biker events.

On Saturday Dec. 13 from 5 to 10 p.m. the firm once again partners with the City of Cape Coral to provide headline sponsorship of Cape Coral Bike Night, the areas premiere bike event featuring thousands of Southwest Florida bikers, food, merchandise and live entertainment in a family-friendly environment.

“The Cape Coral Bike Nights are the area’s biggest and best outings for motorcyclists in Southwest Florida and we are pleased to be the primary sponsor,” said Bruce Scheiner, founder and senior attorney of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers.

“Fighting for the rights of motorcyclists has been one of our primary goals for 37 years and we look forward to promoting safety and awareness throughout the upcoming season,” Mr. Scheiner said.

For more information on Cape Coral Bike Nights visit www.ccbikenight.com. You can also visit www.flbikers.com.

On Sunday Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, teams with Fort Myers Harley-Davidson and the Southwest Chapter of ABATE for the 28th Annual Christmas Run to Gulf Coast Center, a state-run facility for mentally challenged adults in Buckingham.

Thousands of motorcycles will depart Fort Myers Harley-Davidson on Colonial Boulevard at 12:30 p.m. to bring gifts to the residents. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and gifts can be dropped off at Harley-Davidson anytime, according to Frankie Kennedy, president of Southwest Florida ABATE.

“The Southwest Chapter is very pleased to announce that our Grand Marshall this year will be Bruce L. Scheiner,” said Ken “Teddy Bear” Miller of ABATE. “Mr. Scheiner is a long-time supporter of our Christmas Run and a staunch advocate for motorcycle safety.”

Bruce Scheiner said the firm has been involved in bringing holiday cheer to the residents for decades.

“This is a very worthy cause where the entire motorcycle community gets together to help,” Mr. Scheiner said.
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