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Pedestrian Deaths Up in the U.S. – 9 Driver Safety Tips

September 15, 2021 | Category: Pedestrian Accidents | Share

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reported in 2021 that pedestrian motor vehicle crash deaths increased 51 percent since their low point in 2009. The rates of pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people are the highest for those who are age 70 and above.

SW Florida is showing a marginal decrease in pedestrian deaths in vehicle accidents. However, pedestrian deaths are still happening. Following are a couple of recent accidents in Cape Coral and Fort Myers in July 2021:

  • An 80-year-old pedestrian was struck in front of his home by the front bumper of a vehicle, causing him to fall onto the hood of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries in Cape Coral.
  • A 56-year-old pedestrian was killed in a crash in Fort Myers. The accident happened on U.S.41 near Collier Avenue just before 9:00 p.m.

Pedestrian Deaths Up - 9 Driver Safety TipsFlorida law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Many Florida drivers do not recognize or abide by the requirements to stop for pedestrians.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides the following 9 driving safety tips for drivers:

  • Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
  • Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
  • Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
  • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
  • Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
  • Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
  • Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
  • Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.

“If you or a loved one is injured in a pedestrian/vehicle accident, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention. We represent people and their families who are injured or killed in all pedestrian accident scenarios. These include pedestrians walking down streets and being struck in parking lots and crosswalks. We are available 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey.

 

Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Lawyer  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748

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