Of all the millions of miles of pavement stretching across America, 6 out of the nation’s top 10 most dangerous roadways are located in Florida. They are U.S. highways 1, 41, 27, 44, 17, and 98.
At Farrow & Pulice, P.A, we know Southwest Florida has seen its fair share of tragic car accidents.
Recently, two deadly collisions prompted the Sarasota Police Dept. to issue safety tips for pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists.
What is happening on our roads?
The fatal collisions happened just days apart, and both of the crash victims lived in Sarasota.
The first crash occurred early Friday morning when a sedan turned into the path of a motorcyclist at the intersection of South Tamiami Trail and Bee Ridge Road, killing the 29-year-old rider.
Then on Sunday at around noon, a 57-year-old male pedestrian was killed while crossing U.S. 301 near 21ist Street.
Just like it has in other states, Florida’s fatal car accident rate increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sarasota Police said they have seen an increase in speeding, especially on the city’s main roads, which is a contributing crash factor.
A driver that catches a string of green lights can get off I-75 at 70 mph and maintain that speed down Fruitville Road, noted a Herald-Tribune analysis. The posted speed limit there is 45 mph.
Safety tips from the Sarasota PD
In an effort to raise awareness about how to avoid roadway risks in Southwest Florida communities like Bradenton, Englewood, and Port Charlotte, the Sarasota Police Dept. issued the following advice:
Drivers
- Avoid distractions while driving. Focus on the road.
- Pass bicyclists safely. Allow at least 3 feet between your vehicle and a bicyclist.
- Slow down. Speed is a major cause of all fatal crashes.
- Buckle up. Wearing a seatbelt can protect you if you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Bicyclists
- Always wear a helmet.
- Ride in the same direction of traffic on the street.
- Obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
- Yield to traffic when appropriate. It’s better to yield than “be in the right” and risk injury.
- Be visible. Position yourself in the lane so others can easily see you.
- Always use a headlight and a tail light at night.
Pedestrians
- Obey all traffic laws.
- If no sidewalks are present, walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.
- Always use the crosswalk. Push the button to get the walk signal to cross safely.
- Be visible. Wear bright, reflective clothing and safety accessories.
Car accident lawyers Sarasota can count on
Protecting the rights of crash victims is an important part of our work at Farrow & Pulice.
Founding attorney Jo-Ann Pulice was inspired to fight for victim rights at a young age when her father was hit by a drunk driver, and now she and the rest of our dedicated legal team continue to pursue justice for crash victims.
If you or someone you love was injured in a crash due to negligence, our lawyers can aggressively advocate for your best interests and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn your legal rights and options.
Our offices are located in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Englewood, Lakewood Ranch, and Port Charlotte.
