Earlier this year, it was revealed that nine of the twenty deadliest cities for pedestrians in the United States are in Florida. Orlando, a highly popular tourist destination, was ranked as least safe. After Orlando in terms of pedestrian safety came Daytona Beach, a popular spring break destination. Between 2008 and 2017, there were 5,433 pedestrian deaths, an average of 2.73 deaths per 100,000 residents. One of the reasons behind the staggering number of deaths is that the population is driving more than they were in 2008. Florida streets and roadways were designed for vehicles rather than pedestrians.
Florida Today reports that a 12-year-old girl donated her organs after being struck by a car on State Road A1A.
12-year-old Sophia Nelson donated her organs on Christmas day, three days after being hit by a car in a crosswalk on SR A1A.
The crash, which occurred on December 22nd, has ignited criticism of the Florida Department of Transportation’s mid-block crosswalks along A1A. To cross, pedestrians push buttons to activate flashing yellow lights.
Nelson activated the flashing lights, waited for several cars to pass, and proceeded to cross the street during a long gap between cars. The oncoming car did not slow down and struck the girl.
Her father, Mark Nelson, hopes that the Department of Transportation will put up signs warning pedestrians not to enter the roadway until it is free of traffic. He is also meeting with his daughter’s principal to see if there can be some educational opportunities to turn Sophia’s death into a teaching moment.
The Risk of Being Hit by a Car in Plantation It seems like every time you turn on the news, there is another story of someone getting hit by a car in South Florida. Just this week, a couple in their eighties were struck and killed by a car in Fort Myers, and two University of Miami students were struck and killed while crossing the...
Distracted Walking New Research Shows Distracted Walking Causes South Florida Accidents Almost everyone seems to have a cell phone these days, as popularity for the iPhone and other smartphones is ever increasing. Although the cell phone is a great invention, it seems as if it poses an inevitable threat on the road to those using one. The...
University of Central Florida to implement pedestrian safety plan The Orange County Board of Commissioners has approved a $5 million plan to improve pedestrian and bike safety on the major roads serving the University of Central Florida (UCF) campus. The plan includes the building and improving of mid-block crosswalks, sidewalks and bike paths in order to make their use safer and more appealing to...
Pedestrian loses life in five-vehicle collision A multi-vehicle crash occurred, killing a pedestrian who behaved as a good Samaritan. The tragic collision occurred in Cantonment, Florida, on, January 10, 2017, just prior to 6 p.m. on U.S. 29 and Hazzard Lane. A Toyota XB and a Jeep Cherokee were going in the northern direction, and nearing Hazzard Lane in the outer...
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How Do Pedestrians Seek Compensation for Injuries If Hit by a Car In Florida? There are several ways pedestrians can seek compensation for their injuries if hit by a car in Florida. If you were the victim of this type of accident, you might be able to file a claim with your own no-fault insurance, with the at-fault driver’s no-fault insurance, or with the motorist’s auto liability policy. If...
Who Is Liable in Pedestrian Accidents? The person or entity whose negligence led to the pedestrian accident is liable. However, determining the at-fault party requires a thorough investigation and an understanding of what constitutes negligence and how to identify it. Proving these elements and filing your potential lawsuit on time are critical to recovering damages. You do not have to define...