Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

A recent pedestrian accident in Fort Myers left a teenager in critical condition at Lee Memorial Hospital, according to The News-Press. The 16-year-old pedestrian was trying to make his way across Palm Beach Boulevard by Orange River Boulevard when he was hit by a van. The accident happened around 7:00 a.m.

Officials with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) report that the driver of the van tried to brake and swerve to avoid hitting the young pedestrian, but he was unable to do so. The pedestrian was taken to Lee Memorial with what medical officials classified as life-threatening injuries. Law enforcement officials report that the driver of the van will not face any charges or traffic citations because the pedestrian violated the right-of-way to eastbound traffic. The accident delayed traffic in the area for about 2 hours.

Our Fort Myers pedestrian accident lawyers understand how common pedestrian accidents along our Southwest Florida roadways. As we recently reported on our Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, the state of Florida has been ranked as the number one most dangerous state in the country for pedestrian accidents. If you've been outside, you can see that our mid-winter weather is absolutely beautiful. While other states are dealing with snow and ice, pedestrians across the state are free to roam under the warm winter sun. With the increase in pedestrian traffic, we're likely to see an increase in the number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Motorists and walkers and urged to be cautious when traveling along our busy Florida roadways. Pedestrian accidents can be prevented with the proper safe traveling habits.

From 2000 to 2009, Lee County witnessed approximately 200 pedestrian fatalities, according to Transportation For America. Pedestrian fatalities accounted for about 20 percent of the recorded traffic-related deaths during this time period. Pedestrian deaths here are more than 40 percent higher than the national average.

Safe Kids of Lee and Collier County suggests that local and state officials enforce the following laws to help keep our young pedestrians safe:

-Reduce speed limits even more in residential neighborhoods. Neighborhoods are a common backdrop for young pedestrian accidents. The slower a vehicle is traveling at the time of impact, the higher the chances are for a pedestrian to survive.

-Better protection for pedestrians traveling on sidewalks. Sidewalks should be away from busy roadways.

-Offer more walkways and sidewalks for pedestrians. These pedestrian travel lanes help to keep pedestrians and motor vehicle traffic separate.

-Ban drivers from passing stopped school buses. Every year, many young pedestrians are hit while getting on and off the bus every year. Drivers need to exercise extreme caution in these areas as child pedestrians are present.

-Provide the community with more crossing guards at busy intersections. Crossing guards help to get pedestrians and motorists on the same page and provide safe organization of traffic for all.

-Require that all pedestrians cross streets and designated crosswalks only. Most fatal pedestrian accidents happen at non-intersection area.

Each year, almost 650 pedestrians are killed while walking. Streets are the number location for these types of accident, but don't forget that pedestrian accidents can happen in a number of other spots, including on sidewalks, in parking lots and on driveways.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Accident in Fort Myers Critically Injures Teenager" »

Everything can be regulated by parental control these days, but not pedestrian accidents in Fort Myers and elsewhere. A recent public service announcement released on the "See Blindspots" website is a little too offensive, says Florida State Senator Mike Fasano.

The video's complaint center has received a number of concerning opinions stating that the video is too graphic. This content shows the real-life accidents that we see on Florida roadways every day. Fasano says these videos shouldn't be visible to young viewers.

The "See the Blindspots" safety program was launched to help raise awareness about the dangers that pedestrians face all over the state of Florida and to urge drivers to navigate with more consideration for our on-foot travelers, according to Digital Journal.

Our Fort Myers pedestrian accident attorneys understand how prevalent pedestrian accidents are on our roadways. Florida has been named numerous times as the most dangerous state in the U.S. for these types of accidents. Florida State Representative Irv Slosberg supports this website and the message it accompanies to the fullest. Slosberg previously lost his daughter in a similar accident.

Rep. Slosberg says that there's nothing wrong with the violent nature of this video because of how big of a problem it is on our state's roadways. He says that he feels that this video is warranted because of the nature of the problem. Pedestrian and vehicle accidents in the state are alarmingly common and the public needs to know about it.

Florida saw nearly 500 pedestrian fatalities in 2009. These accidents placed the state as the number one deadliest state for pedestrian accidents, followed by Texas and Georgia, with less than Florida's number and with significantly lower numbers since then.

"We're going backwards instead of forwards. A lot of it has to do with driver distraction: cell phones, texting and driving," says Rep. Slosberg.

Senator Fasano says families and Florida residents shouldn't be forced to relive the pain and agony of their loss as illustrated in the video. No records of anyone, including students or drivers, have been found required to video to be watched.

Many of the accidents shown in the pedestrian-awareness video involve distracted drivers. In 2009, there were nearly 5,500 accidents caused by distracted drivers. Still, the state of Florida has yet to enact a law prohibiting any driver from engaging in this behavior.

Florida has continued to be named, year after year, as the most dangerous state in the country for fatal pedestrian accidents. According to First Coast News, nearly 10 pedestrians die and more than 20 are injured every week in our state.

Florida holds the top four slots for most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrian accidents in the entire country. From 2000 to 2009, there were nearly 5,200 pedestrian fatalities in our state. These accidents cost Florida more have $22 billion, according to Transportation for America.

"We need something graphic on air. A powerful message is needed to make an impact," said Slosberg

Continue reading "Video Campaign Illustrating Pedestrian Accidents in Florida Deemed Too Graphic by Senator" »

Residents are concerned with the safety of the proposed bicycle paths in Cape Coral. According to an article in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze, the new paths along Agualinda Boulevard will do nothing more than increase the risks of bicycling accidents in Cape Coral. Some believe that these paths will further complicate traffic conditions at 45th Terrance and 44th Terrace and will put bicyclists closer to fast-moving traffic.

Because of the rise in elevation from the canal bridge, motorists' and bicyclists' visibility is extremely limited from both the north and south sides when traveling near Agualinda Boulevard. As of now, there are sidewalks on both sides of the road. Traffic officials are looking to add another bicycle lane. But some bicycle and pedestrian advocates worry that the lane changes will be putting motorists closer to them and closer to an accident.

Our Cape Coral bicycle accident lawyers understand that lane width is critical in keeping our bicyclists safe. This is a popular area for bicyclists and pedestrians to travel. Increasing the number of lanes will ultimately put these bikers closer to traffic and may serve to increase close calls or actual accident on Agualinda Boulevard near both 45th and 44th Terrace.

Rex Newman of Cape Coral asked city council members who are voting for this change to come out to these sidewalks to see just how scary they are. He says these council members will immediately see how little room is provided with the conditions as they are now. He says there's little room on these roadways already since travelers are so tightly squeezed in with obstructed visibility. Imagine being a bicyclist, he says, and riding while vehicles zipping past at 40 miles an hour. He says picture that and add a bridge that you can't see over. Both of these conditions provide risky situations for passing bicyclists, pedestrians and vehicles entering and exiting the roadways.

He goes on to say that the city would only be contributing to more accidents at these intersections if it were to add another bike lane.

"Why fix something if it ain't broke?" he asks.

Detractors also claim it would be an unnecessary expense. For the construction of this one lane, it would cost the city nearly $20,000. That's money that could be used on constructing a safe sidewalk near a bus stop or along a school bus route.

According to the News-Press, about 100 people want to nix the bike path idea. More than 90 opposing comments were submitted to the city during a recent open house.

Cape Coral's Transportation Advisory Commission says that these lanes won't interfere with traffic. These lanes they're trying to build would travel along Beach Parkway from Oasis Boulevard to Agualinda Boulevard and another lane from Cape Coral Parkway to Beach.

"This process is driven by citizens. It's not driven by an initiative from City Hall." said city traffic engineer Rashad Hanbali.

According to Hanbali, it's not illegal for residents to ride their bicycle on the sidewalk, but bicyclists should walk their bike when pedestrians are around.

Southwest Cape Coral Neighborhood Association supports the proposed bike lanes.

Overall, there are about three miles of lanes being proposed, which could cost the city nearly $60,000.

"Do we want it or do we really need it?" said Councilman Eric Kuehn. "Do we have the money to do this?"

Continue reading "Bicycle Accidents in Cape Coral a Risk as Bike Lane Debated" »

As we recently reported on our Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, a 15-year-old female pedestrian was killed as she and two of her friends attempted to cross Pondella Road in Cape Coral. Luckily, two of the teens made it across the street safely. One wasn't so fortunate.

We continue to discuss the importance of pedestrian safety along Lee and Collier County roadways. Pedestrian accidents in Naples and elsewhere are all too common, but they are entirely preventable. Children and teens are often the most at risk pedestrians along our roadways because they're unable to comprehend the maneuvers, functions and dangers of passing traffic. These statistics can be reversed! Parents are urged to talk with the children and teens in their life about safe habits to exercise when walking near vehicular traffic to help avoid a potentially fatal accident.

Our Fort Myers pedestrian accident attorneys understand pedestrian accidents are on the rise in Florida. According to recent statistics, there was a near 5 percent increase in the number of these accidents across the state from 2009 to 2010. Florida continues to be ranked as number one for having the most pedestrian accidents and the highest death rate in the country. Parents are urged to discuss the importance of safe walking and biking habits, especially with the 2011-2012 school year in full swing.

Parents should share the following tips with their young pedestrians:

-All children under the age of 10 should be accompanied by an adult when walking near traffic.

-Everyone should use a crosswalk or a street corner when crossing the road.

-Be sure to look both ways before and during your trek across the road.

-Wear brightly-colored clothing to help ensure that motorists see you.

-Always walk on a sidewalk when one is available. When there are no sidewalks, walk as far from traffic as possible and walk facing oncoming traffic.

-Limit nighttime walking, but when it's necessary make sure to wear reflectors or carry a flashlight.

-Never dart out from behind a parked car. Passing motorists may not be able to see you.

-Always make eye contact with a driver before crossing in front of them.

-Never walk alone. Use the buddy system.

According to Transportation for America, there have been more than 5,150 pedestrians killed in Florida from 2000 to 2009. These accidents cost the state more than $22 billion. Because Florida has a Pedestrian Danger Index (PDI) of 182.8, our state was ranked again as the most dangerous state for pedestrians in the United States.

Most Dangerous Metro Areas from 2000 to 2009 and the number of pedestrian fatalities witnessed:

-Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach: 1555.

-Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: 905.

-Orlando-Kissimmee: 557.

Jacksonville: 342.

-Cape Coral-Fort Myers: 178.

From 2000 to 2007, there were nearly 300 children under the age of 16 who died in pedestrian accidents in the state of Florida. These accidents are all too frequent and can be prevented with education. Parents, educators and guardians are urged to speak with little ones about the dangers they face when walking near vehicular traffic.

Continue reading "Parents Urged to Watch Over Little Ones to Help Prevent Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Myers" »

A recent pedestrian accident in Cape Coral took the life of a 15-year-old girl. Taylor Palmer and two friends were crossing Pondella Road just before 8:00 a.m. The young girl was transported to Cape Coral Hospital and died just a few hours later, according to the Cape Coral Daily Breeze.

According to officer's accident reports, the three young girls were crossing from the north side of Pondella to the south side. The motorists stated that the three girls just "suddenly appeared."

Our Cape Coral pedestrian accident attorneys understand that young pedestrians face serious risks for traffic-related accidents on our roadways. As we recently reported on our Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, the number of pedestrian fatalities on Florida roadways rose nearly 4 percent from 2009 to 2010. Our state is still listed as the most dangerous state in the country for these types of accidents. As the school year gets underway, motorists are urged to keep a watchful eye out for young pedestrians heading to and from school. Many of these young walkers are unable to understand the functions and the risks associated with traffic flow. For this reason, we are asking that all motorists be extremely careful when traveling near school zones, residential neighborhoods or near school start and end times.

Of the three girls crossing Pondella, two were able to make it out of the way in time. Unfortunately, the third was not. She was struck by the front of the vehicle and way tossed onto the car's hood and windshield.

"The traffic homicide investigation continues," said Lt. Larry King, spokesman for the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Officers do not believe that the driver was under the influence of alcohol or any type of drugs at the time of the incident. The names of the two other girls were not released after the accident.

In 2008, there were nearly 500 pedestrian fatalities in the state of Florida. During this time more than 11 percent of pedestrian fatalities and more than 17 percent of bicyclists that died in the U.S. died on Florida roadways. This statistic is even more alarming when you consider that the state only holds about 6 percent of the entire country's population.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, children between the ages of 5- and 9-years-old accounted for about 20 percent of all of the pedestrians who were killed in traffic-related accidents in 2009. Children under the age of 16 accounted for nearly 10 percent of the pedestrian fatalities that occurred during this same time.

Requirements of pedestrians and nearby drivers, according to the Florida Department of Transportation:

-Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall walk on any part of the roadway.

-Where there are no sidewalks, pedestrians should only walk on the shoulder of the left-hand side of the roadway facing oncoming traffic.

-No one should ride any coaster, toy vehicle or ride on skates on the roadway unless crossing the street using a crosswalk.

Continue reading "Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Cape Coral Kills 15-Year-Old Girl" »

A recent car accident in North Naples landed a 27-year-old driver in jail on a $500,000 bail after allegedly hitting and killing a roadside sign holder and then fleeing the scene, according to Marco News.

In addition to the charge of failing to remain at the scene of a fatal crash, the man has also received a charge of DUI causing death. He denies the charges. The accident happened at Shirley Street and Pine Ridge Road. The sign holder was employed through a nearby restaurant.

The driver in the accident is employed with a local flooring company. The sign holder was a resident of Naples for 14 years. Florida Highway Patrol officers were able to stop and apprehend the driver later on after a witness of the accident followed the man's vehicle and notified officers. The hit-and-run driver was in a Porsche Cayenne. When officers were questioning the man, he told them that he had hit a stop sign and not a person.

Our Charlotte County car accident attorneys understand the incident has the Cape looking to consider placing a ban on all roadway sign holders. These individuals are being accused of being distractions to drivers and increasing the risks of accidents in areas flooded with these advertisers.

Sign-shaking has become a popular form of advertisement in the Southwest Florida area. If there are businesses around, you're sure to find someone shaking a sign. They may soon disappear from the City of Cape Coral though as officials are worried about roadway safety.

Brian Clemens, a Cape Coral resident, is thankful for his sign-shaking job. He lost his job and picked this one up to help put food on the table. He works for about four hours a day for about 5 days a week, shaking his sign on the corner of Del Prado Boulevard and Hancock Bridge Parkway. He spends his time trying to turn drivers into customers, according to NBC2.

"Try and get their attention," Clemens said.

That phrase is what scares officials. Drivers are taking their attention off of the roadway and focusing on these signs. There are sign shakers on nearly every major roadway in the Cape.

Danny Castellanos is another Cape resident who lists his job title as a sign shaker. He tries to lure customers into the "We Buy Gold" store. He spends eight hours a day, six days a week, fighting for the attention of drivers.

If the Community Redevelopment Agency gets its way, these shakers could soon be out of a job.

"You hate to take a job from anybody but you don't want to put them in harm's way," said John Jacobsen, CRA Executive Director.

The Cash for Gold store could have to potentially get rid of 25 employees if the ban goes into effect. Many of the companies say that they wouldn't be able to survive without this form of advertising as it's the most some can afford nowadays.

The only problem with this ban is that sign carrying is a First Amendment right, so there may only be so much that the city can do to stop the distracting ads.

Continue reading "Officials Looking into Banning Sign Shakers to Help Prevent Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Cape Coral" »

October 5th is International Walk to School Day and many schools in the area are joining the festivities to help raise awareness about child pedestrian accidents in Fort Myers and elsewhere.

This event started back in 1997 when the Partnership for a Walkable America sponsored the first National Walk Our Children to School Day in Chicago. When the walk was first started, it was used as a way to bring together children with local leaders in an effort to raise awareness about the need to more pedestrian-friendly streets.

As the event progressed year by year, so did its popularity. In 2002, the highest record of participation was tallied at roughly 3 million. This year, schools and leaders in every state have held events to help push the campaign.

Our Fort Myers child injury attorneys hope that you and your family will participate in this year's event. This event is also used to help rally for federal funding to make our roadways safer for pedestrians. In 2005, new legislation was passed that would allow states to apply for this type of federal funding. Unfortunately, far too few dollars are aimed at pedestrian safety -- despite the fact that Florida is among the most dangerous states in the nation when it comes to serious or fatal pedestrian accidents.

The following schools in our area are participating in this year's events:

-Orangewood Elementary School: Students will be asked to wear their Orangewood T-shirts and are asked to meet Jefferson Park and walk to school so that all students can practice safe walking habits.

-Bayshore Elementary School: This is the third year that this school has participated n the event. During this year, local sheriff’s departments, parents, sponsors and teachers will be walking to school with students.

-Tommie Barfield Elementary School: The school will be asking students within a reasonable distance to walk to school on the 5th.

-Orange River Elementary School: This school will be sending home flyers with students to encourage all student pedestrians to wear their Orange River T-Shirts. These students will be asked to gather in a designated spot located just down the road from the school. Staff members will be joining them as well on this walk.

-Tanglewood Elementary School: Tanglewood will be showing an educational DVD during PE classes for 4 days. In the fall, the school also has a walking program. During the winter, the school has a biking program. PE class is used to practice skill and drills for two weeks. Lastly, Tanglewood organizes a walk to school day and bike to school day/RODEO.

“We can make a difference right here at home, we can make our streets safer,” said Michele King, Director of the Child Advocacy Program at the Children’s Hospital of SW Florida.

How officials can help to keep our child pedestrians safe on our roadways:

-Provide well-maintained a safe areas for pedestrians to walk that are separated from motor-vehicle traffic.

-Teach young pedestrians how to safely cross the street.

-Reduce speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods.

-Ensure that sidewalks meet national accessibility standards.

-Make sure that all intersections and mid-block crossings have curb ramps.

-Install pedestrian signals at all intersections.

Continue reading "Lee County Proudly Supports International Walk to School Day to Raise Awareness about Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Myers" »

Our Fort Myers car accident attorneys thought you might be interested in the 2010 Florida Traffic Crash Statistics Report, recently released by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. One of the more alarming statistics cited in the report are the increased number of pedestrian deaths, which rose more than 3.5 percent since 2009. This statistical rise will assuredly keep Florida in the number one spot as the deadliest state for pedestrians.

Julie Jones, executive director of the department, also points out the following highlights of the report:

-Deaths related to traffic crashes on Florida roads have declined by 4.6 percent between 2009 and 2010.

-During the past five years, fatalities related to traffic have declined by 30 percent.

-The number of fatalities per 100 million miles traveled has declined to 1.25 deaths. This statistic is also known as the State Mileage Death Rate.

-Motorcyclist and passenger deaths were down nearly 5 percent compared to 2009.

-Bicyclist and passenger deaths dropped from 99 in 2009 to 76 in 2010, a 24 percent decrease.

-Pedestrian deaths rose from 482 in 2009 to 499 in 2010 a 3.5 percent increase.

-Deaths among teen drivers and passengers declined from 153 in 2009 to 144 in 2010, a nearly 6 percent decrease.

Though traffic-related crashes were down, there were more than 2,400 fatalities due to traffic-related accidents. A five-year decline in fatal traffic crashes is encouraging. Many factors may be at play in the decrease, including the economic downturn; fewer vehicles on the roadways; and improvements in vehicle safety, which has certainly influenced these results.

It makes sense that the State Mileage Death Rate is at a historic low considering how many fewer vehicles are on the roads these days. Declines in total traffic crashes and average crashes per day from 2009 to 2010 were minuscule at .13 percent each. Alarmingly, the "Pending Fatal Blood Alcohol Content" statistic was up 122 percent from 2009.

Though bicyclist deaths were down in 2010, both bicyclist injuries and bicycle crashes rose by 3.95 percent and 3.16 percent, respectively. As we noted on our Florida Injury Lawyer Blog back in August, Lee County has a bicycle crash every 34 hours, making it the most hazardous county in the country.

There were declines in teen passenger deaths and injuries, and fewer teen driver injuries and teen crashes but teen driver deaths were unchanged in 2010 from 2009.

We see that overall motorcycle riding is safer, unless you are a passenger. There was a 26 percent increase in motorcycle passenger deaths in 2010.

It was encouraging to see that crashes involving pedestrian and injured pedestrians were down but as we mentioned earlier, deaths to pedestrians increased more than 3.5 percent.

The executive director acknowledges that more work needs to be done to make our roadways safer, and we agree. Most traffic-related accidents are avoidable, and those resulting in personal injury or death are frequently the unacceptable results of poor judgment.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, are dedicated lawyers helping accident victims throughout South Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte and Sebring. Call today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. 1-800-283-2900.

More Blog Entries:

NOYS' 2011 Summit to Help Reduce Risks of Teen Car Accident in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, September 25, 2011.

Seat Belt Usage Meets Record High -- Decreasing Risks of Fatal Car Accidents in Lee County, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, September 14, 2011.

Our Florida weather provides the perfect year-round opportunity for residents and tourists to get outside and enjoy some bicycling. Unfortunately, these conditions are a part of the reason why our state has been named the most dangerous state in the county for bicyclists. A bicycling accident in Lee County happens about every 34 hours, making our county the most dangerous in the entire country, according to Bike Radar.

A number of residents are involved in community bike rides, but they're very cautious when planning these trips. Veteran bicyclists are careful not to ride in dangerous areas on busy roads. But if the dangers in specific areas are concerning experienced bike riders, what should a novice rider do to help protect themselves?

Our Fort Myers bicycling accident attorneys understand the dangers that bicyclists face on roadways in our area. Luckily, we're able to tell you about a number of projects that county officials are considering in an attempt to help bicyclists in our area. A few new projects are scheduled to begin soon.

First, transportation officials are looking at two specific projects. The first is a link between recreational centers that already have bike routes. The second project involves the construction of a university loop bike path. About $2 million has been set aside for these Lee County bicycle projects. The county hopes to receive grants from the state for future bike-path projects.

County officials have a few long-term plan up their sleeve as well to help protect our area's bicyclists and pedestrians. They are looking into making the Seminole Rail Line into a multi-use path.

“Some of the things we’re doing include conducting ‘Cycling Savvy’ bike education programs and aggressively pushing for complete street politics to be adopted and implemented by all governments in our county,” Dan Moser of BikeWalkLee.

Bicyclists are getting involved as well to help make our roadways safer. A recent Ride of Silence was held to help raise awareness about the presence of bicyclists on our roadways and to encourage motorists to be more cautious when traveling in areas where bikers are known to ride.

Beau Cautens is a shop mechanic at Paradise Bicycles in Cape Coral and he says that he can tell that the area is starting to recognize bikers. He says that he's noticing that new roads in Cape Coral are in fact being built with bike lanes. He also notices that a number of four-lane roadways are being reduced to two-lane roads so that a bike lane can be worked into these areas. He says that it's taking a while, but the area is getting there.

Cautens says that bicyclists still need to be cautious on our roadways and educated about which areas are safest to ride through. Bicyclists need to be familiar with bike laws in Florida to help prevent a potentially fatal accident with a motor vehicle.

According to federal statistics, nearly 20 percent of the country's cycling fatalities occurred in Florida in 2008.

Continue reading "Lee County Named Most Dangerous Place for Bicycling Accidents in the Country" »

Transportation for America recently released their 2011 edition of their pedestrian safety report. This report examines the most recent data of pedestrian accidents in Fort Myers and elsewhere throughout the country. This study looked information of pedestrian accidents between 2000 to 2009 and concluded that Florida is number one for pedestrian fatalities.

The study reveals that Lee County reported to have witnessed nearly 200 pedestrian deaths over the last 10 years. These deaths made up nearly 20 percent of all recorded traffic fatalities for this time period. Pedestrian fatalities are more than 40 percent higher than that of the national average. Collier County saw more than 50 pedestrian deaths in the last 10 years, which makes up nearly 10 percent of all traffic deaths in the area, according to the News-Press.

Our Fort Myers pedestrian accident attorneys understand that accidents involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian can often end with fatal results, especially in Florida. For this reason, we urge all motorists to be extra cautious when driving on our roadways and to keep an eye out for our pedestrians as we're ranked number one in a contest we don't want to win.

After analyzing this information, Dangerous by Design 2011 looks over the results and creates ways to tackle the epidemic with solutions to decrease pedestrian death and injury on our roadways.

With the Sunshine State providing such beautiful weather year around, it is no surprise than many residents and visitors enjoy getting out in the open air to enjoy what our area has to offer.

The new reports states that, in the examined years, approximately 47,000 pedestrians were killed walking along our nation's streets. It also shows that another 668,000 pedestrians were injured during this time period.

The new additions of the report let us take a closer look into the areas that are most dangerous to our pedestrians. The website offers a link to visit an interactive map to see just how many accidents have occurred on roadways in your community.

Florida ranks as the number one most dangerous state for pedestrians as it has continuously seen the most pedestrian deaths. More than 5,000 pedestrians were killed during this time period in our state alone. These fatalities cost the state more than $22 billion.

Most of U.S. pedestrian fatalities occur on "arterial" roads that are just dangerous by design as they have been engineered to accommodate speedy traffic instead of pedestrian traffic.

If you'd like to help create change for pedestrian safety, you are urged to contact Congress and notify them about which areas needs improvements. With your help, pedestrian safety advocates hope to sway Congress to keep funding to help ensure the safety of our pedestrians.

Continue reading "New Report Ranks Florida Number One for Deadly Pedestrian Accidents" »

A fatal bicycling accident in Sanibel is still being investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. The accident, which occurred last week, killed a 46-year-old Fort Myers cyclist and caused the Sanibel Causeway to close for several hours, according to the Sanibel-Captiva Islander.

Police report that a Fort Myers couple was riding their bikes along the causeway a little before 11:00 a.m. last week when a truck drifted into the bike lane and struck the couple. One of the bicyclists flew into the guardrail and into the San Carlos Bay.
Our Fort Myers bicycle attorneys would like to remind bicyclists that Florida is among the most dangerous states for riders. The spring and summer months bring out bicyclists of all ages, both residents and tourists. Motorists may not be the only threat to bicyclists as bike rental companies have been known to rent out defective equipment that can show signs of poor maintenance and put your safety at risk.

After being tossed into the bay, the victim was pulled from the water by boaters traveling nearby. Unfortunately, attempts to revive the bicyclist were unsuccessful.

The truck driver was not injured in the accident.

Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Owen T. Keen says that the patrol unit is still investigating whether or not the driver fell asleep at the wheel. It has also yet to be determined if the driver was under the influence of medication or suffered from any medical condition which may have triggered the accident.

"Something terribly went wrong and caused this crash," said Keen.

Charges against the driver have not been filed.

In honor of the fallen bicyclists and the two bicyclists from Estero who were killed in late February, the Caloosa Rider and the Bonita Bay Bicycle Club will dedicate their annual their "Ride Of Silence" to these four local residents.

The "Ride of Silence" is used to memorialize riders that have been injured or killed as it aims to draw motorist’s attention to the legal rights of bicyclists. They strongly urge motorists to keep a watchful eye for all cyclists.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 700 bicyclists were killed, and 52,000 injured, in traffic-related accidents in the United States in 2008. Bicyclists make up 2 percent of all traffic fatalities and 2 percent of all traffic-accident related injuries each year. In 2008, Florida witnessed nearly 150 bicyclist fatalities because of traffic-related accidents. As Florida provides beautiful weather all year long, motorists are urged to keep a look out for bicyclists at all times on all roadways.

Continue reading "Sanibel Car Accident Kills Fort Myers Bicyclist on Sanibel Causeway" »

Florida bicyclists beware: Recent statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirm our place as the deadliest state in the nation for bicycle accidents.

Florida had almost 17% of all the fatal bicycle accidents in the United States -- or nearly 1 in 5. The state's 107 fatal accidents made Florida the only state to report more than 100 deaths from bicycle accidents in 2009. California was second, with 99.

Our Fort Myers accident attorneys continue to represent cyclists who are injured or killed because a motorist either lacked respect for a rider, or simply was not paying attention.

There were 630 fatal bicycle accidents in 2009 and another 51,000 riders were injured on our roadways. That's down from the 718 in 2008 and the second-lowest total in more than a decade. With the increasing popularity of riding for fun and fitness, the average age of accident victims continues to trend upward, reaching 41 for those killed and 31 for those injured.

The facts for fatal pedalcyclist crashes in 2009:

-70% occurred in urban areas.

-67% were killed at a non-intersection location.

-72% were killed during the day between 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. (a 6% increase from 2008).

-Average age of those killed was 41.

-87% of those killed were male, 80% of those injured were also male.

-40% of crashes involved alcohol either by the driver or a cyclist.

Wearing a helmet every time you ride is the best way to prevent a head injury in a crash. Cyclists must ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic and must obey the same rules as motorists. Cyclists need to do as much as they can to increase their visibility: wear brightly colored clothes at all times and mark your equipment for higher visibility with reflective tape, reflectors and flashing lights.

We all need to share the road. Drivers must watch for cyclists when making turns, exiting a parking space or opening car doors. When passing a cyclist give them room, allow about 3 feet between a rider and your vehicle. And don't forget to yield to them at intersections when directed to do so.

Continue reading "Riders continue to be at high risk of bicycle accidents in Fort Myers, Cape Coral" »

Who said Monday's are quiet? A typical Monday's worth of news in Southwest Florida shows just how dangerous our roads can be at the height of tourism season. Our Fort Myers personal injury lawyers urge you to take driving safety seriously.

And please speak with your teenagers and aging loved ones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among teens. The only drivers at higher risk are those over the age of 75. Staying safe behind the wheel can be as simple as not driving under the influence, not speeding, and not driving distracted. Statistics show as many as two-thirds of all fatal crashes involve one of those three activities.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports 2,563 motorists were killed in Florida car accidents last year -- that's more than seven people a day. Florida is one of the leading states in virtually every major fatal accident category, including bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, drunk driving accidents, motorcycle accidents and trucking accidents.

A typical Monday's news:

Women Struck by Deputy's Car: A Naples bicycle accident occurred when a Collier County sheriff's cruiser collided with a bicyclist walking across the street (Warning: this links to graphic video).

Bicyclist Struck by Truck in North Fort Myers: A 57-year-old man is in critical condition after being struck by a pickup on Pine Island Road. The North Fort Myers bicycle accident occurred near Orchid Road.

Crash Causing Delays on Sanibel Causeway: Delays were reported approaching the island as a result of the Sanibel car accident.

Fort Myers Police Search for Suspects in Hit-and-Run: The Fort Myers car accident occurred when a Buick struck two vehicles at State Road 82 and Forum Boulevard.

Relative of Crash Victim wants Traffic Light at Cape Coral Intersection: The intersection of Pine Island Road and Skyline Boulevard is among the county's most-dangerous. There have been 131 accidents and seven deaths in the last five years.

Fort Myers man, 72, Suffers Minor Injuries in School Bus Crash: The Fort Myers school bus accident occurred when the man's truck was rear-ended by a bus carrying 11 elementary students.

Continue reading "Lee County accidents abound on any Monday in Season " »

The number of pedestrian accidents in Florida has reached epidemic proportion. Pedestrian accidents in Fort Myers and Cape Coral are tragically common occurrences. Inattentive motorists, lack of sidewalks, inadequate lighting, and missing street signs and crosswalks are just a few of the common causes.

Our Fort Myers personal injury attorneys were not surprised to learn that Florida posted the greatest increase in pedestrian accidents of any state in the nation last year, according to a new study released by the Governor's Highway Safety Association.

Just four states -- Florida, California, Texas and New York -- account for 41 percent of the nation's pedestrian accidents. Despite an overall decline in traffic fatalities reported nationwide, the total number of fatal pedestrian accidents increased during the first six months of 2010, to 1,891 from the 1,884 deaths recorded during the same period of 2009.

Florida led the nation with an increase of 36 deaths, followed by Arizona (up 21), Oregon (up 18), North Carolina (up 17) and Oklahoma (up 16). The GHSA reports 243 deaths were reported in Florida during the first six months of 2010, more than anywhere in the nation except California (260).

A total of 466 pedestrian deaths were reported in Florida in 2009. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 490 Florida pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2008. Authorities are concerned about even a slight increase after years of decline.

“Nationally, pedestrian fatalities account for about 12 percent of overall traffic deaths, a small but significant portion. Given that we have made so much progress in this area, GHSA is concerned to see this reversal. One factor may be the increased distractions for both pedestrians and drivers," said GHSA Chairman Vernon Betkey. "Anyone who travels in a busy city has seen countless pedestrians engrossed in conversation or listening to music while crossing a busy street. Just as drivers need to focus on driving safely, pedestrians need to focus on walking safely – without distractions.”

Twenty eight states reported a decline in pedestrian accidents, while 18 other reported an increase. Florida was among 8 states that reported a double-digit increase.

Safety advocates say improving pedestrian safety starts at the local level and includes prioritization, data analysis, engineering, education and laws and enforcement. Population is also a key determining factor. The four states with the highest population, including Florida, accounted for nearly half of all pedestrian deaths. Meanwhile, 25 other states accounted for just 12 percent of fatalities.

Continue reading "Pedestrian accidents in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, a growing concern" »

Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Fort Myers and Cape Coral were not surprised to learn that Florida claimed four of the top five most dangerous spots in the nation for pedestrian accidents. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents have reached near epidemic proportions in Florida.

No area of the state is immune. And it is a year-around problem that impacts all ages, from grade-schoolers to the elderly. Florida accounts for more than 10 percent of the nation's fatal pedestrian accidents ( 490 of 4,378 in 2008), according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.. Only California records more fatal pedestrian accidents.

The new report by Transportation for America found the top five most dangerous metro areas in the nation are Orlando, Tampa, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville and Memphis.

However, when looking at all areas of a state, Punta Gorda was the most dangerous area in Florida for pedestrian accidents. Followed by Vero Beach, Ocala, Panama City and Orlando.

The Cape Coral and Fort Myers area was the state's ninth most dangerous, with a reported 32 fatal pedestrian accidents in 2007-2008. Naples-Marco Island placed 17th, with a reported 12 fatalities.

Nationwide, more than 76,000 Americans have been killed in pedestrian accidents in the last 15 years -- more than 43,000 have lost their lives in the last decade alone. During that time, 3,906 children were killed. The federal government reports that pedestrian accidents disproportionately impact children and the elderly, with about 20 percent of all pedestrian accidents involving a victim over the age of 65.

The study recommends a number of improvement methods, including:

-Traffic calming and street design: Including signals that give pedestrians a head start in crossing the road. Such planning, when combined with speed-reduction measures, can reduce accidents by up to 70 percent.

-Complete Streets: Planning for upgrades and future road projects need to take into account the needs of all users, including bicyclists and pedestrians. The needs of various age groups and persons with disabilities also should be taken into account.

-Safe Routes to School Program: These programs take a comprehensive approach to student safety, whether walking, riding a bike, waiting at the bus stop or on the bus.

-Walkable Neighborhoods: Communities need to be designed with plenty of emphasis on walking and bicycling, including parks and public spaces, restaurants and nearby retail facilities.

Continue reading "Punta Gorda state's most dangerous for pedestrian accidents -- four of nation's most dangerous cities in Florida " »

Our Fort Myers pedestrian accident attorneys remind motorists that with the clocks going back an hour comes an increased risk of traffic accidents during the late afternoon, particularly those involving pedestrians.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 4,092 pedestrians were killed last year and 59,000 were injured. Florida is one of the deadliest states in the nation for pedestrian accidents, second only to California.

With the clocks going back an hour, dusk will fall during the afternoon rush hour. The additional traffic that comes with the return of winter residents and tourist season will only exacerbate the problem. While there is also an increased danger of car accidents with an earlier dusk, it is the high risk of serious or fatal injuries that come with pedestrian accidents that has authorities most concerned.

The government reports adjustment to the lower-light takes time and drivers may also be more distracted. Pedestrians are encouraged to carry flashlights and/or wear reflective tape to ensure they are visible to drivers at the greatest possible distance.

Nationwide, 25 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents occur between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. while another 13 percent happen around sunrise.

Other advice to reduce the risk of car accidents and pedestrian accidents at sunrise and sunset:

Motorists
-Slow down. Dusk requires more time to see and react.
-Keep in mind pedestrians may not hear you approach.
-Keep your windshield and mirrors clear. Make sure your windshield fluid is full and that wipers and defrosters are in good working order.

Pedestrians
-Carry a flashlight and wear reflective material.
-Don't depend on traffic signals to protect you.
-Avoid jaywalking or crossing the street between parked cars.
-Use sidewalks whenever possible.
-Walk facing traffic.

Continue reading "Clocks go back, risk of Fort Myers car accidents, pedestrian accidents go up at dusk" »

In announcing the fewest traffic deaths since 1950, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cited drunk driving accidents, motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents as areas where continued improvement is needed.

Drunk Driving Accidents
Alcohol is still involved in approximately one-third of all fatal accidents nationwide. Last year, 10,839 drunk driving deaths were reported, compared to the 11,711 deaths in 2008. Florida drunk driving accidents caused 770 traffic fatalities last year, compared to 887 in 2008.

"Drunk driving is a local problem, and the numbers we are releasing today show continued progress but also reveal how much more still needs to be done all over America," NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said.

Florida joined 33 states and Puerto Rico with decreases in the number of alcohol deaths, however the remaining states reported an increase.

"We will not be satisfied until innocent, decent, law-abiding people are safe from tragic injuries and loss of their loved ones because someone makes the irresponsible choice to drive while impaired," Strickland said.

We could not agree more. That's why each and every member of our staff remains committed to fighting for the rights of drunk driving accident victims in Fort Myers and throughout South Florida. Whether it's through our work with the Lee County Sheriff's Office and Mobile Eyes, or the local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, we remain committed to taking a proactive stand against drunk drivers and the devastation they too often cause.

Motorcycle Accidents

The news was also good when it comes to fatal motorcycle accidents -- a report of 850 fewer motorcycle fatalities led to a 16 percent decline in fatalities, the largest reported decline of any accident category. Still, 4,462 riders died in motorcycle accidents and 90,000 others were injured.

"We are encouraged by the decline in overall motorcycle deaths," Strickland said. "(But) there are still too many riders dying on the road."

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported earlier this summer that fatal Florida motorcycle accidents declined last year to 376, from the 502 reported in 2008. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Cape Coral and Fort Myers have spent decades fighting for the rights of injured riders throughout South Florida.

Pedestrian Accidents

After passenger vehicle and motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents were responsible for the most serious and fatal injuries. A total of 4,092 people were killed and 59,000 were injured in pedestrian accidents last year.

"We are increasing our focus on pedestrian safety... and hope our demonstration safety projects will help us continue to push the numbers down in this area," said Strickland.

Florida was second only to California for in the number of fatal pedestrian accidents reported in 2008; state-by-state statistics for last year have not yet been released.

As the school year begins, we encourage Cape Coral and county officials to act quickly in installing school zone lights at Trafalgar Parkway and Skyline Boulevard.

The Lee County School District reports that about 2,000 students attend Trafalgar elementary and Trafalgar middle school. Skyline Boulevard is one of the city's busiest. The News-Press reports local officials have given installation of school zone lights the go-ahead now that the price has dropped from $270,000 to $45,000.

We think it’s unfortunate that they were not installed long ago. Thousands of young children flood this area everyday and their safety should never be compromised by an attempt to keep costs down.

As school begins, please take extra care in watching for young children, either walking or riding their bicycles, as well as school buses that are loading or unloading passengers. Students are at increased risk of a Fort Myers bicycle accident or pedestrian accident, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when commutes can compete with the fringe of rush hour.

Last week we wrote on our Florida Injury Lawyer Blog that teenagers are at increased risk of a car accident as the school year begins. And that is true. But the truth of the matter is that all children are at significant risk of being involved in a traffic accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for those ages 3 to 20.

Back to school means the law of averages simply is not on the side of a motorist. More than 80,000 students will flood one of the nation's 50-largest school districts. It's a safe bet that 79,900 would otherwise be in bed at 8 a.m. The coming weeks are among the most dangerous time of the year as students and motorists relearn the art of safe travel and coexistence.

Many accidents happen around school buses or crosswalks. Dangers include:

-Children are most likely to be hit while hurrying to get on the bus.

-Act before they think and have little experience with traffic.

-Assume motorists will see them and wait for them to cross.

-Don't always stay within a bus driver's site.

-Try to reach under a bus to pick something up.

We urge you to speak with your child about safe walking and cycling habits. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services provides excellent learning tools, including downloadable presentations.

You may also view the Kids Walk-to-School Brochure.

With the popular movement to “go green” and help reduce their impact on the environment, many people in Southwest Florida are embracing the more pedestrian methods of transportation – literally. High gas prices and the effort to leave a smaller carbon footprint in their wake are pushing many to seek out alternative ways to get from point A to point B – most notably, by riding a bicycle or simply walking.

However, with the urban sprawl and heavy traffic found in Southwest Florida, the mix of motor vehicles with bicyclists and people on foot can prove to be dangerous, if not deadly. While people may get satisfaction from trying to be more eco-friendly, they are often putting their lives at risk by walking or riding their bikes around our area.

The problem is that very little forethought went into the road planning and real estate development rush of years past when it comes to bicyclists and pedestrians. The lack of sidewalks, underpasses and other thoroughfares designed specifically for bikes and walkers forces them onto the streets, where the interaction with cars and trucks turns into a high-risk cat and mouse game. Those who advocate the use of bikes or walking locally are pushing for new ideas in urban planning, aimed at addressing the need for safer ways to get around, and saving lives in the process. In 2007 and 2008, 32 pedestrians and 10 bicyclists were killed in accidents involving motor vehicles in Lee County alone. The National Safety Council estimates that the cost of such an accident, when factoring in the cost of the accident itself and the economic impact of the loss of a productive life, to be around $4 million. City and County planners and engineers point out that designing and building new roads and sidewalks for the safety of cyclists and pedestrians is expensive, and even retrofitting our current infrastructure can carry a hefty price tag. Clearly, the cost of not doing so needs to be fully understood.

Local advocacy groups like BikeWalk Lee are stepping up their efforts to bring their cause to the forefront. According to their website, BikeWalkLee is a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County - streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. In early December, the group presented letters to Governor Charlie Crist and to the Lee County Legislative Delegation asking that the State enact specific efforts to reduce the number of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths on Southwest Florida roadways. Among their requests is that the Florida Department of transportation designate 22% of state funding on road design and construction to more pedestrian-friendly planning. The organization points out that 22% of all traffic fatalities in Florida involve people on foot or on bicycles.

“Drivers just don’t watch for people walking or riding their bikes as they should”, says PJ Scheiner of the Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner Personal Injury Lawyers law firm. “We see the tragic results of these accidents in our practice, and applaud the efforts of all the local organizations working to promote a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians”.

If you or someone you know has suffered a serious injury while biking or on foot, our experience in fighting for justice can prove invaluable in seeking the financial restitution you deserve. We devote our entire expertise and resources to your individual case, and you are obligated to pay us nothing unless we are successful on your behalf. Contact us at 1-800-Dial-BLS, or visit our website www.focusedonjustice.com.

With the abundant sunshine and pleasant outdoor weather in Florida, the number of people on foot here makes our state one of the most dangerous when it comes to pedestrian safety. It’s no surprise to realize that a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle will likely suffer serious injuries, most often to the head, neck and spinal column. The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has identified Florida as a target for increased resources and educational efforts in an effort to reduce the numbers of pedestrians injured or killed on our roads. FHA works closely with state and local governments to administer programs aimed at keeping Florida’s pedestrians safe.

According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department, there were 502 pedestrian fatalities statewide in 2008. This means that 16.8% of all traffic fatalities were pedestrians. Additionally, there were 7,878 pedestrian injuries in the same year.

While most people might assume that alcohol is involved in only those accidents where the vehicle driver is impaired, drinking is a major problem with pedestrians in traffic crashes. 10.3% (922) of all pedestrians in crashes (8,951) had been drinking, and 36.25% (182) of all pedestrian fatalities (502) had been drinking. According to the statistics compiled by the State, the majority of pedestrians injured or killed in 2008 were either crossing the road in mid-block, walking alongside the road, working on their vehicle while in the road, working on the roadway itself or standing on a pedestrian island.

Of course, many pedestrian accidents occur in seemingly safe environments, such as in parking lots or walking along a sidewalk. In most cases, driver negligence is the cause of these types of accidents, as drivers often fail to use proper caution, or engage in unsafe driving practices, when encountering a pedestrian. The bulk of pedestrian accidents occur at night, when poor visibility plays a major role in the crash.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, some of the most common types of pedestrian accidents include:

• A pedestrian is hit while a vehicle was turning or preparing to turn at an intersection.

• A pedestrian is hit in a mid-block collision where the pedestrian entered the driver's field of view leaving little or no time to react.

• A pedestrian is struck in a parking lot or other non-roadway area.

• A pedestrian is struck while walking or jogging along the side of the road, going with the traffic.

• A pedestrian is running through an intersection (as opposed to mid-block).

• A backing vehicle strikes a pedestrian.

Florida personal injury lawyers remind you of these safety tips to keep you from becoming a pedestrian accident victim:

• Cross at designated intersections and crosswalks only. Many pedestrians are injured because they try to cross the street without using crosswalks.

• Walk on sidewalks and pedestrian bridges where possible. These areas are no-car zones and are therefore the safest places to walk.

• When crossing streets at intersections, look left, right and left again to ensure that you have a safe way to cross. Even if you have right of way, not all cars will stop.

• Stay visible. Wear clothing that is easily visible to drivers for the weather conditions. If you are walking at night, make sure your clothes have reflective material or bring a flashlight.

• Stay alert. Walking after drinking can be deadly. You can veer into the road or make mistakes when crossing the street. Even wearing headphones can prevent you from hearing horns and other warnings.

• Don’t let children play on streets or near them. Children often can’t judge car distances, and may not be able to understand safe pedestrian practices.

“Our firm has represented many victims of pedestrian accidents, and the majority of them could easily have been avoided, had the correct safety precautions been used”, says Senior Attorney Bruce L. Scheiner of the Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner Personal Injury Lawyers law firm. “Here is just an example of the cases we’ve handled.”

$200,000: Recovered for a 53-year-old Naples woman who was backed into by a newspaper delivery vehicle while walking with her husband.

$100,000: Recovered for a 51-year-old Tennessee woman who was walking her dogs in Sebring, FL when she was struck by a vehicle. This client suffered a fractured back and other injuries. Both dogs were killed.

If you or someone you love has been struck by a vehicle while crossing the street or walking through a parking lot, please visit www.focusedonjustice.com, or call 1-800-DialBLS to learn more about our 38-year history of helping those involved in pedestrian accidents.

Florida injury lawyers is posting the Top 10 lethal driving mistakes, as compiled by MSN Autos, to remind motorists that safe driving habits are the best defense to prevent you or a loved one from being seriously injured or killed in a car accident or other traffic fatality.

Nationwide, 37,313 died in traffic crashes in 2008 -- more than 1,200 in Florida. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24.

Swerving: The No. 1 mistake drivers make is not staying in their own lane, running off the road, or drifting into another lane. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 15,000 people were killed in crashes in 2007 as a result of a driver who didn't stay in the proper lane.

Driving Drowsy: The NHTSA estimates more than 1,400 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2007 as a result of driver fatigue. Visit www.drowsydriving.org for more information.

Drinking and Driving: Every 40 minutes someone dies in a drunk-driving accident. Young drivers ages 21 to 34 are responsible for well over half of alcohol-related fatalities. According to the NHTSA, 60 percent of drivers who died after dark in 2007 were legally drunk. Alcohol is also a factor in half of pedestrian traffic deaths -- both drivers and pedestrians are culprits.

Overcorrecting: More than 4 percent of automobile fatalities occur because of driver overcorrecting, particularly while behind the wheel of an SUV driving on the highway at high speeds.

Speeding: Speeding is the second-highest cause of death in fatal crashes, according to the NHTSA. Thirty percent of fatalities occur at 55 mph or above. The worst case scenario is speeding without a seat belt or motorcycle helmet. Fatality rates for speeding motorcyclists are shockingly high -- 36 percent of motorcycle fatalities were caused by speed in 2007.

Failure to Yield the Right of Way: For drivers over the age of 70, failure to yield is the top cause of crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports drivers over 80 simply fail to see the vehicle, while drivers 70 to 79 misjudge the time and distance. Failure to yield the right of way was the 5th leading cause of fatal crashes in 2007.

Erratic or Reckless Driving: More than 1,850 fatalities in 2007 were the result of reckless driving, including weaving, tailgating, exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 mph or doing more than 80 mph.

Running red lights: Three out of every four automobile accidents occur in cities -- the most common cause is hitting the gas when the light turns red.

Not Wearing a Seat Belt: Despite the fact that wearing a seat belt is far more prevalent than even a decade ago -- not to mention legally required -- one-third of traffic fatalities result from unbuckled occupants. Without a seat belt, car drivers and passengers put themselves at risk of being ejected and 76 percent of the time ejection results in death.

Inattentive Driving:
Eating, talking on a cell phone, text messaging and fumbling with the car stereo all result in inattentive driving, which was responsible for 4,704 deaths in 2007. Talking on the cell phone has become the number one bad habit, with an estimated 1 million drivers talking on the phone at any given time and an increasing number of states, including Florida, considering outlawing the practice.

Continue reading "Florida injury lawyers urge motorists to review Top 10 lethal driving mistakes to avoid fatal car accidents, serious injury" »

Riders and Other Advocates for Road Safety (ROARS) is mounting a community action campaign aimed at reducing road accidents in Southwest Florida.

"We stand behind any cause that seeks to reduce accidents on our roads," said Bruce L. Scheiner, founder and senior attorney at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, which has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims in South Florida since 1971. "Groups like ROARS can make a real difference, particularly in a tough economy when local and state governments often reduce public-safety spending for education and other awareness programs."

The group will seek to educate the public in an effort to reduce the number of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and bicycle and pedestrian accidents throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Bonita Springs.

"Though there are many reasons for fatalities on our highways, it is truly the belief of this advocate that an alarming amount of these crashes can be avoided," said Frankie Kennedy, founder and chairman of ROARS.

When it comes to motorcycle fatalities, Kennedy said 85 percent are the result of a vehicle's failure to yield the right of way.

"Most people do no see the motorcycle and, because of its size, they nearly always misjudge its speed," Kennedy said. "Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, has supported the motorcycling community for many years and with their help, we are working very diligently to get our message out."

Kennedy said the group will focus on all forms of road safety as it seeks to educate the public and maintain safety awareness.

ROARS also is active in educating young drivers.

"We will bring our program anywhere we can get a gathering of interested drivers," Kennedy said. "We currently bring a motorcycle safety and driver-awareness seminar to all the local high schools in Lee County and we have touched thousands of student drivers since we started the program. It is of the utmost importance to reach as many people as possible."

Citizens are encouraged to join with ROARS and engage in programs and activities designed to raise public awareness in their communities. The coalition strongly advocates grass roots efforts in the areas of voter registration and the development of proactive relationships with the state's legislators to promote innovative ways to make streets, roads and highways safer for Florida residents and visitors.

ROARS recognizes the inherent dangers associated with every mode of transportation and understands the need for a purposeful and united effort by all drivers, riders and pedestrians to reduce loss due to injuries and death.

For more information about ROARS, please contact Chair and Founder Frankie Kennedy at 239-849-9065 or e-mail swchief2000@yahoo.com.

Continue reading "Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, supports prevention of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents in Southwest Florida" »

The Florida injury lawyers at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, begin 2009 with a new toll-free phone number, 1-800-Dial-BLS.

Whether you are injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident or are the victim of a drunk driving crash or other personal-injury or wrongful-death situation, representatives are available 24 hours a day at 1-800-Dial-BLS to review your case.

The firm has four decades of experience handling car accidents and other personal injury cases throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Arcadia, Port Charlotte, Venice and Sebring.

Started in 1971 by Bruce L. Scheiner, the family-run firm is dedicated to representing Florida residents who have been injured by the negligent or careless acts of other individuals, businesses or insurance companies.

The firm has never worked for big businesses or insurance companies and practices exclusively in the area of personal injury law. Unlike many other firms, which split their attention between personal injury cases and other types of law, like divorce, real estate and criminal cases, Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, is a team of almost 100 professionals dedicated to fighting for justice for those how have been injured or killed in Florida.

Bruce L. Scheiner still hand selects each case the firm represents. Together with his wife Cheryl, who runs the office, and son, Preston J. Scheiner, who is an associate attorney, the Scheiner team is dedicated to getting you and your loved ones the compensation you deserve.

After four decades of service in Southwest Florida, there promise to you is simple: at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, you'll pay nothing unless we win.

Look for the new toll-free hotline throughout Southwest Florida, on billboards, on television, in the yellow pages and online.

Continue reading "Florida injury lawyers debut 1-800-Dial-BLS, for car accident, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents and other personal injury questions in Southwest Florida" »

A new education program aimed at increasing awareness of the dangers of distracted driving is now available in Southwest Florida.

Florida injury lawyers and personal injury attorneys routinely handles crashes caused by distracted drivers and urge motorists to pay attention to the road for their own safety and the safety of those around them. Distracted driving often contributes to car accidents, motorcycle accident, trucking accidents, and accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians throughout Southwest Florida.

The program -- offered by "Stay Alive... Just Drive!" and its founder, retired Fort Myers-area paramedic Jay Anderson -- is available for purchase or for presentation to non-profit and other groups as an educational resource.

"It's a very comprehensive presentation aimed at raising the awareness of distracted driving in all forms," said Anderson, who likens distracted driving to driving while impaired by alcohol or other drugs.

Anderson is supporting Heather's Law -- Florida Senate Bill 172, which will be debated in the upcoming spring session of the Florida legislature -- which would make it illegal to talk on the phone or text message while driving.

"Results of various studies have proven the dangers of distracted driving and obviously people are not going to make an attempt by themselves," said Anderson of the law. If passed, Florida would join half-a-dozen states with similar restrictions.

The law is named for a Florida teenager who was killed in a crash with a truck driver, who was allegedly text messaging at the time.

The distracted driving presentation "LOL I"M NT BSY I'M ONLY DRIVING," takes about 60 minutes.

Anderson said the typical driving distraction lasts three seconds -- enough time for a car going 45 mph to travel more than half the length of a football field.

A 2006 study of 100 drivers by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found driver distractions are the cause of 80 percent of vehicle crashes and 65 percent of near misses.

Those wanting more information can call "Stay Alive ... Just Drive!" at (239) 340-8693.

Continue reading "Distracted driving prevention program aimed at reducing car accidents in Southwest Florida" »

Some 148,000 people suffer a car accident each year without ever getting behind the wheel: They are injured by a closing car door in what the federal government has announced is the most common non-moving injury inflicted by automobiles.

For the first time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has collected data for non-traffic related death and injuries and non-crash related death and injuries to the ways in which people are seriously injured or killed in or around automobiles.

"It shows you don't have to be in a moving vehicle to be seriously injured," said Bruce L. Scheiner, founder and senior attorney at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers.

Florida Injury Lawyers point out such cases can involve legal questions surrounding car accidents, bicycle and pedestrian injuries, property and premise liability law, slip and fall issues, injuries to children, vehicle defect, defective product law and other legal issues.

"The bottom line is, if you are seriously injured you should contact a lawyer to examine whether you have a case," Scheiner said.

Such dangers are now being tabulated by the federal government, including: falls from vehicle, battery acid and antifreeze burns, jack accidents, tire explosions, window strangulation, and those injured or killed by being locked in the trunk.

"I don't think anyone until now had an accurate sense of the extent of vehicle-related injuries and fatalities that did not occur on a public highway," NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson told Forbes Magazine. "It certainly underscores the risks that exist in a vehicle whether it's on the road or off, and I hope it will call some attention to some of those issues."

The new statistics also shed light on what the government terms Nontraffic crash fatalities and injuries, including single-vehicle crashes on private roads, collisions with pedestrians on driveways and two-vehicle crashes in parking facilities.

Bicyclists and pedestrians account for about half (614 of 1,159) of non-traffic crash fatalities and about a third (34,000 of 98,000) of non-traffic injuries.

Backovers, where drivers injure or kill a non-occupant by reversing over them, account for another 19 percent of fatalities and 14 percent of injuries.

Annual average of non-crash fatalities by type:
Struck by falling vehicle: 168
Accidental carbon monoxide poisoning from exhaust: 147
Fall from vehicle: 88
Vehicle fire: 57
Struck by Object: 44
Hyperthermia (excessive heat): 37
Hypothermia (excessive cold): 14
Poisoning: 9
Exploding Tire: 7
Vehicle window asphyxia: 5
Electrocution: 4
Drowning: 3
Closed in trunk: 3
Radiator fluid burns: 2

The government reported that 22 percent of injuries (164,000 of 743,000) occur as people enter or exit a vehicle: falls (84,000), striking a door or door frame (36,000) and in other situations such as sprains or strains while exiting (44,000).

Continue reading "Florida motorists warned of car accidents waiting to happen" »

The dangerous and deadly business of running red lights at Southwest Florida intersections is increasingly caught on camera – a costly, if not fatal error for the driver and evidence increasingly used in court by criminal and accident lawyers.

Lee County is testing a camera at Colonial Boulevard and Summerlin Road, The News-Press reports, and cameras at other intersections could be on the way.

Orlando and Collier County, including the City of Naples, already use the cameras and have written local laws to get around a state prohibition against ticketing offenders based on video evidence (current state law only allows such ticketing for toll cheaters).

The accident attorneys and staff at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers urge motorists to use caution at intersections. The firm has handled hundreds of cases where motorists are seriously injured or killed in an intersection accident because an offender was in a hurry and failed to stop at a red light or stop sign.

Lee County will use the camera to determine how many tickets it could issue and how many extra staff members it would take to process violators. State lawmakers are likely to take up the cause of allowing tickets to be issued this year, even without a special ordinance.

Detractors point out that vehicle owners would get the ticket in the mail, regardless of who was caught on camera driving. And there is some data to suggest that rear-end collisions have increased at intersections where cameras have been installed.

But the deadly issue is getting increased attention. Several years ago, the state doubled the cost of red-light tickets and passed a substantial portion of the proceeds on to trauma centers, including Lee Memorial Hospital, which deal with the carnage left in the wake of someone in too big of a hurry to pay attention to one of driving’s most basic safety requirements.

More than 13,000 crashes were reported at Lee County intersections during the last three years.

A recent nationwide study of deadly crashes at traffic signals found nearly 1 in 4 failed to obey the light, injuring more than 144,000 people nationwide in 2006. Nearly half the fatalities caused by red-light runners are pedestrians and vehicle passengers, according to information gathered by Jay Anderson, a retired Fort Myers-area paramedic and founder of "Stay Alive ... Just Drive," a campaign that urges motorists to concentrate on driving and avoid distractions like cell phones.

A 2007 California study found red-light runners were three times more likely to have multiple speeding convictions, were less likely to use seatbelts and drove smaller and older vehicles, further increasing their chance of serious injury or death.

Continue reading "Southwest Florida points cameras at red light violators, aims to reduce accidents" »

Increased patrol will be aimed at reducing car accidents and drunk driving crashes this Thanksgiving holiday as authorities seek to reduce serious injury and wrongful death on Florida highways.

“The Thanksgiving Holidays are typically a time of heavy traffic as people travel to spend time with their families so we urge everyone driving on our highways during the holiday period to drive carefully,” said Colonel John Czernis, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination safely, drive sober and buckle up on each and every trip. The holidays are a time for celebration, but we cannot forget safety behind the wheel.”

The patrol cites failure to drive carefully and wear safety belts, along with drunk drivers, as primary causes of accidents through the holiday.

“Since Thanksgiving always produces a high volume of traffic, the Florida Highway Patrol will increase its presence on Florida roadways during the upcoming five-day holiday period,” Czernis announced.

The patrol said it will use troopers normally assigned to administrative duties as well as auxiliary and reserve troopers to patrol high-volume roadways.

Continue reading "Preventing holiday traffic accidents goal in Southwest Florida" »

A 15-year-old girl suffered head and back injuries after she fell off a horse.

A 13-year-old girl burned her arm, leg and abdomen cooking noodles.

President-elect Barack Obama’s aide, Valerie Jarrett, fell off a curb in Chicago and sprained her ankle.

The culprit? Text messaging.

There is increasing evidence that text messaging is contributing to serious injury, according to retired EMS Captain Jay Anderson, who cited the examples above in a recent paper released by the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition.

Anderson, who also is the executive director of “Stay Alive ... Just Drive,” said the first public awareness of the dangers of text messaging came in June 2007 on a rural highway in upstate New York, when five young women just out of high school died in an accident. Records indicate a text message was sent from the driver’s phone 38 seconds before the first 911 call.

The American College of Emergency Physicians recently warned that being distracted by text messaging at inappropriate times, such as while cross the street, can result in serious injury or death.

“People assume that driving while text messaging is the most dangerous,” Anderson said. “(But) physicians from around the country now cite rising reports of injuries involving texting while walking, bicycling, boating, rollerblading or jogging.”

Two deaths have been reported in California as a result of people walking into traffic while texting.

"We tend to believe we’re capable of multitasking, but in fact we are not,” Anderson said, noting it only takes a split second at 45 mph for everything to change. “Awareness is the key to understanding how one second can change a life forever.”

Anderson and the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition provided the following 5 safety tips:

Continue reading "Car accidents, pedestrian and bicycle crashes can be caused by distracted text messaging" »

Florida’s 119 fatal bicycle accidents led the nation in 2007, according to statistics released this week by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.

Only one other state, California with 109, had more than 100 people killed on bicycles last year.

The attorneys at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, are dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured or killed in Southwest Florida while promoting safety and the rights of everyone on our roadways.

At Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, our message to riders is simple:“Whatever you ride, ride safe!”

NHTSA issued the following safety reminders:
- All bicyclists should wear properly fitted bicycle helmets. Helmets are the single most effective way to prevent head injuries resulting from bicycle crashes.
- Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators and are required to obey the same rules of the road as other operators. When cycling in the street, bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Drivers of motor vehicles need to share the road with bicyclists. Be courteous. Allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. Look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out of a parking space. Yield to cyclists at intersections.
- Bicyclists should increase their visibility by wearing bright or florescent clothing, even during the day. To be noticed at night, use front and rear reflectors and lights and use reflective tape or markings on clothing and equipment.

The government report shows only one-seventh of bicycle deaths involved kids ages 5 to 15. Average age of death increased from 31 in 1997 to 40 in 2007.

Continue reading "Florida bicycle deaths lead nation" »

Preventing motorcycle accidents and bicycle and pedestrian accidents is the aim of the “Give Others a Brake - Share the Road” campaign, launched this week by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Tragically, walking proved almost as deadly as riding a motorcycle in 2007. A total of 537 Florida motorcycle riders were killed in 2007, compared to 530 pedestrians.

Florida motorcycle deaths were the most in the nation in 2007. The “Give Others a Brake - Share the Road” program seeks to also remind motorists about pedestrians and bicyclists as the state heads in tourism season.

In Collier County, 120 bicyclists were injured or killed in accidents in 2007; in Lee County, 96 bicyclists were injured or killed in 2007; in Sarasota County 92 bicycle accidents caused injury or death.

Continue reading "Bicycle, Motorcycle, Pedestrian Accident awareness a goal of new Florida program" »