Pedestrian accidents have been a problem in Florida for many years now, and local authorities have been trying their best to put a stop to them. However, this problem is especially acute in the community of Wilton Manors. Six people have died in pedestrian accidents in Wilton Manors since 2009, and the police want this trend to end.
Wilton Drive has become the epicenter of pedestrian-vehicle collisions and has accounted for around 80 percent of the city’s pedestrian accidents since 2009, so police have cracked down. Since April, they have been issuing verbal and written warnings to both pedestrians and drivers who fail to follow the rules of the road. So far, the efforts of Wilton Manors police have been to educate the people, but recently they took a harder line.
After hundreds of warnings and at least 10 citations for blatant infractions, the police have stepped up issuing tickets rather than warnings. They hope the efforts will finally get walkers and drivers to give each other more respect on this thoroughfare.
What Can I Do To Prevent Pedestrian Accidents?
The U.S. has an epidemic of pedestrian accidents. In 2012, 4,743 pedestrians died in traffic accidents and another 76,000 were injured. We can help bring these numbers down by simply staying safe and being aware. If you are out for a walk at night, wear light or reflective clothing, and carry a flashlight. Make sure to walk on sidewalks, or if those aren’t available, walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic, so drivers can see you. Also, try to cross the street only at marked crosswalks.
We must all do our part to keep our roads safe, but if misfortune should strike, remember that you have options. Contact the lawyers of Colson Hicks Eidson if you have any questions about your rights as a pedestrian on the roads of Florida.
Colson Hicks Eidson—Injury Attorneys
Source: http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Wilton-Manors-to-Start-Ticketing-Jaywalkers-309961101.html
