Articles Posted in Pedestrians/Bicyclists

It was with great sorrow that the staff at the local NBC affiliate announced that one of their own had been killed in a Fort Myers bicycle accident.

Popular and respected, NBC2 Meteorologist Jim Reif had been in the Fort Myers television market for more than 30 years, and had earned a reputation as a hurricane specialist.

According to his colleagues, the 61-year-old,who was newly-engaged, was riding his bicycle along Ben Hill Griffin Parkway when he struck a sign and was thrown to the ground. His head struck the curb, and he suffered a traumatic brain injury. The accident occurred within less than a mile of a fire station, so first responders arrived quickly. However, after being rushed to the hospital, he later died of his injuries. Officials are still investigating what exactly caused the crash.
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Lee County is one of the most dangerous places in the country for bicyclists.

Florida’s rate for bicycle accident fatalities is more than double the national average, and Lee has one of the highest rates in the state, with more than 11 cyclists killed and 230 injured since 2011, according to a recent report by NBC2.

Fort Myers bicycle injuries remained steady, even despite a law passed in 2006 that requires motorists to maintain at least a three-foot distance between their vehicle and the cyclist. Many break this rule, reporters found, but very few are ever ticketed. In fact, just three citations were issued in Lee, Charlotte and Collier Counties over the course of the last three years. Statewide, there have only been 84 tickets issued during that time frame.
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A new safety plan unveiled by the Florida Department of Transportation seeks to put an end to the state being ranked as having the worst fatality rates for both pedestrians and those who ride bicycles.

The Florida pedestrian fatality rate for 2011 was nearly double the national average, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The state’s bicycle fatality rate was even worse, triple the national average.

OurFort Myers personal injury attorneyshave been working with local bicycle and pedestrian accident victims for more than 40 years.
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Lee County roads are getting more dangerous, especially for some of our most vulnerable travelers — pedestrians.

According to The News-Press, there were close to 25 pedestrians killed on Lee County roads in 2013, compared to only 13 in 2012. Altogether, there have been more than 80 traffic-accident fatalities, well over the 64 reported in 2012.

Our pedestrian injury lawyers note Collier County was no safer. In 2013, more than 30 people were killed in traffic accidents, about 4 more than the previous year. Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists are vulnerable because drivers have trained their brains to look for automobiles. And with the New Year, we’re asking drivers to vow to be a better and safer driver for the sake of all travelers on our South Florida roadways. Your resolution can help to save lives.
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A bicyclist from Cape Coral was recently released from Lee Memorial Hospital following a September accident on Northeast Pine Island Road, according to the Fort Myers Beach Observer.

According to officers, the bicyclist was heading west on Pine Island Road inside the marked bicycle lane when a passing SUV drifted over and hit the bicyclist. The bicyclist was thrown from his bike and landed on the windshield of the SUV. It all happened at about 7:00 p.m. He was transported to the hospital with life-threatening head injuries and was trauma-alerted in critical condition.

Our Cape Coral bicycle accident lawyers understand that there have been nearly 20 traffic accident fatalities in Cape Coral already this year. In 2012, the city recorded only 10 traffic accident fatalities; 11 in 2011. Clearly, we’re not doing so well this year. Think of it this way: Every trip begins and ends by walking and/or biking, so every effort should be made to ensure that pedestrians and bicyclists remain safe out there.

Florida Safety Facts:

-Florida’s bicycle fatality rate (per 100,000 people) is 6.52 per million, and that’s three times the national average.

-Florida’s pedestrian fatality rate of 2.19 per 100,000 is almost double the national average.

-From 2007 to 2009, nearly 60 pedestrian and cyclists have died on Lee County streets.

-Lee County ranks 23rd out of the 360 metro areas in the nation when it comes to being hazardous for walkers.

-Close to 10 percent of U.S. households do not own an automobile. For Florida households that number is 8 percent and for the City of Fort Myers it is approximately 20 percent.

In the state of Florida, bicyclists have the same rights to the roadways as motorists and they are required to obey the same traffic laws. These laws include stopping for stop signs and red lights, riding with the flow of traffic, using lights at night, yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.

One of our most common problems is getting drivers to recognize these rights. Motorists need to not only be aware of bicyclists along our roadways, but to treat them the same as any other driver.

We encourage all road users, including motorists and bicyclists, to respect each other and foster a safer transportation environment. Remember that a car weighs 2 tons or so, while the average bike is a mere 20 pounds. In any collision, any physical interaction between car and bike, the bike always loses.

If you can pinpoint the moment when a bicyclist is starting to irritate you – because you can’t see where he is going or because he’s moving slowly and is making you late – picture him as a family member or friend. That might calm you down.

Work together and stay safe.
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A woman was killed, and two others were sent to the hospital, after a vehicle slammed into all three in a recent accident near the intersection of Willard and Fowler streets. According to the Pine Island Eagle, the accident happened at around 11:00 p.m. No charges have been filed against the driver of the Cadillac.

One of the pedestrians was reportedly passed out in the road when the accident happened. As we head into season, it’s important to remember than many bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists will be out after dark. And we all have an obligation to celebrate responsibly.

Our Fort Myers Beach pedestrian accident lawyers know these incidents are more likely to happen during the evening hours. The level of roadway lighting is an important factor for safety at night, especially for pedestrians. Past studies have shown that over 50 percent of pedestrian accidents happen during the evening hours. Most of these accidents are fatal and severe injury accidents. These results make it clear that proper design and timely maintenance of street lighting and crosswalks will definitely improve the safety of the roadway system, especially in a state like Florida where pedestrian traffic is so prominent. Now is a good time to refresh our skills regarding traffic safety and keeping pedestrians safe.
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One moment, a 45-year-old Fort Myers bicyclist was enjoying a warm afternoon ride in Charlotte County. The next, his bicycle was clipped by a vehicle, throwing him into the air and causing him to suffer critical injuries.

He was flown by helicopter to Lee Memorial Hospital, where his injuries are said to be life-threatening. As investigators continue to analyze the crash, our Fort Myers bicycle accident lawyers understand that the goal of curbing such incidents in the future has taken center stage in Lee County.

Local media reports that more than $10 million of federal grant money has been earmarked for the creation of 70 miles of bike paths, which should allow bicyclists a safer alternative to roadside traveling.
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We often talk about drinking and driving but overlook the risks involved with drinking and walking. According to the Associated Press, more than a third of the pedestrians who were killed in 2011 reported blood-alcohol levels that were over the legal limit for driving.

Our Fort Myers Beach pedestrian accident lawyers understand that many people believe that as long as they’re not behind the wheel while intoxicated that they’re okay. Unfortunately, there are many other risks out there. When we consume alcohol, our abilities to make safe and responsible decisions are hindered. This affects us while walking as intoxication may stop us from crossing the road at the right place or at the right time, which is how many of these accidents happen.

But we must not blame the victim. Even in cases where a victim is determined to be partially responsible, he or she may be entitled to collect damages from an at-fault driver, and even from their own insurance carrier.

Fort Myers Beach is a common place for these kinds of accidents. When we go to the beach, we go to let loose. Many people’s favorite way to let loose is to have a few drinks. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of traffic in this area, too, which often mixes poorly with the crowds.

Young adults are at particularly high risk. According to recent statistics released from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about half of all the pedestrians who were between the ages of 25 and 35 who were killed in a pedestrian accident in 2011 reported a blood-alcohol level higher than the legal driving limit.

In comparison, less than 15 percent of all drivers involved in fatal pedestrian accidents were over the .08 limit.

Because of these recent findings, officials with the NHTSA are working to help keep pedestrians safe. The NHTSA is making $2 million in pedestrian safety grants available to cities with the highest rate of pedestrian deaths. But it doesn’t end there. Officials with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have also launched a new website to offer pedestrian safety tips along with various resources that cities and municipalities can use to improve pedestrian safety in the area.

On average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every eight minutes in traffic crashes across the U.S. in 2011.

Overall, more than 30 percent (or close to 10,000) of all traffic accident fatalities that were recorded in 2011 involved a driver who was legally drunk.

If you’ve been drinking, we stress that you find a safe and sober way to get around. You might think you’re doing the right thing by walking instead of driving, but we want you to know that you’re still at serious risks while walking intoxicated near motor-vehicle traffic. Stay safe out there and make sure you’ve got a sober way to get home, each and every time. Your life depends on it.
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Bicycling safely around town is a cooperative activity, governed by a strict set of rules. Traffic rules incorporate practices found, through experience, to facilitate safe and efficient travel.

Since not everyone has enough experience to appreciate the rationale of the rules, it’s important that our officers are making sure that they’re on the ball with enforcement to help instill safe habits among all travelers. An effective police officer is ready to explain the principles that are involved when a bicyclist or a motorist uses poor judgment. These poor judgements increase the risks of an accident for everyone.

And you need to be aware of those key principles — for the safety of everyone out there.

Our Cape Coral bicycle accident lawyers understand more than 50,000 bicyclists a year are seriously injured in the United States and Florida is the most dangerous state in the nation for serious and fatal bicycle accidents. More bicyclists are killed in the state of Florida than any other state in the country.

That’s why we’re here — to help. Look over these key principles for cyclists to help ensure safe riding throughout the remainder of the year (and during some of our busiest travel periods):

-Bicyclists fare best when they are treated as motorists on our roadways. In close to half of all bicycle accidents, a motorist violated traffic rules.

-A bicyclist is safer riding with the flow of traffic instead of against it. A cyclist who rides against oncoming traffic is increase their risks of being hit by a passing motorist by close to 5 times.

-Avoid riding during the evening hours. About 60 percent of fatal bicycle crashes in Florida occur during non-daylight hours.

-Lamps must be used on a bicycle after sunset to alert other drivers. Unfortunately, reflectors may not be enough to allow a motorist to see you. Lights are essential.

-A cyclist traveling more slowly than other traffic should ride to the right, except to pass, to make a left turn, when necessary to avoid hazards, or when a lane is too narrow to share.

-Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake or brakes that allow the rider to stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 mph on dry, level, clean pavement.

-A bicyclist is not allowed to wear headphones, a headset or any other kind of listening device while riding. (Hearing aids are okay.)

-Make sure you’re always wearing a helmet. We recommend that everyone wear helmets when riding a bicycle, but helmets are required by law for children under 16 years of age.

Drivers are reminded to follow all street signs and be cautious of bicyclists at intersections. Proper yielding prevents crashes; stopping and proceeding without yielding does not.

A study from officials with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) discovered that roughly 70 percent of accidents that occurred at one- and two-way stop signs involved stop sign violations. But in two thirds of these cases, the driver did stop; the crash occurred when the driver then proceeded without yielding.
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With the summer season, residents and visitors to the area can enjoy some cycling fun. With the summer season, we should also use this time to review bicycling safety. It’s a move that could end up saving lives — especially young ones.

Our Cape Coral bicycle accident lawyers understand that there were close to 150 bicyclists killed in the state of Florida in 2011. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) we were the most dangerous state in the U.S. for these kinds of accidents.

To help reduce the risks of these accidents for you and your loved ones, consider the following:

-Have your bicycle and safety gear checked. You can do this by visiting almost any bicycle shop. Make sure you’ve got a helmet that meets your needs. Consider allowing your child to help pick out their safety gear. They might be more enthused to wear it it if they have a chance to be a part of the selection. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your bicycle is equipped with reflectors and lights to help motorists and other bicyclists to see you out there.

-Always look over your child’s bicycle before use. Make sure that everything is working properly and that it’s still a good size for their weight and height. You never want them to use a bike that isn’t meant for them.

-Talk with everyone (especially children) about the importance of safe-riding habits. Make sure everyone knows the tricks and the tools to avoiding an accident.

-Everyone should ride together. Review the areas that are safe and are meant for riding. Avoid roadways with fast-moving traffic and try to avoid crossing streets. If you have to, make sure that it’s done in an area with good intersections, preferably with lights and crosswalks.

-Set the rules for your youngest riders. Make sure there is a curfew. Bicycle accidents are more likely to happen when the sun sets. Make sure everyone knows to wear a helmet at all times, keep two hands on the handlebars and make sure that everyone knows where they’re allowed to ride. It’s also not a bad idea to write down these rules and to make sure that the consequences are laid out for breaking these rules.

You also want to make sure that other parents are on the same page. Make sure that these rules apply throughout the community. It’s not only going to help make sure that your child is safe, but the rest of the bicyclists are, too.

And remember, these rules aren’t only for the kids. In 2011, the average age of bicyclists killed in traffic crashes was 43. During the past 10 years, there has been a steady increase in the average age of bicyclists killed and injured.
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