Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Fatal traffic crashes dropped by more than 30 percent in 2008. However, nearly 1 in every 5 fatal accidents involved a motorcycle, according to preliminary data from the Florida Highway Patrol.
Officials point to a souring economy, fewer travelers and skyrocketing gas prices as reasons for the drop, according to an article in The News-Press of Fort Myers.
Car accident attorneys and motorcycle accident lawyers at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, want to remind motorists to use caution on the roads as gas prices drop and we enter prime tourism season in Southwest Florida.
Please remember every season is motorcycle season in Southwest Florida and riders will be sharing the road with other motorists throughout the winter months.
The Highway Patrol reported 70 fatal accidents in Lee County last year, compared to 106 in 2007 and a record 150 in 2005.
Gas prices hit $4 a gallon this summer before dropping late in the year.
“When they were at $3.50 and $4 a gallon, people definitely were driving less,” AAA Division Manager David Pojero told The News-Press.
Lee County Sheriff’s Sgt. David Petracca indicated the cost of fuel also deterred some people from speeding and driving erratically as they sought to conserve fuel.
“They’re a little more cautious,” he said.
Law enforcement also expects to have issued more tickets in 2008 — final numbers will be available later this month.
At least 17 percent of fatal crashes involved a motorcycle. Preliminary statistics suggest at least 12 motorcycle riders were killed on Lee County Roads in 2008.
The sheriff’s office reported the last four fatalities it worked in 2008 involved a motorcycle rider.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in an accident, there are certain things you can do to help protect your rights. The motorcycle accident lawyers and car accident attorneys at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, offer free appointments to discuss your rights at any of the firms offices located throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Port Charlotte, Arcadia, Venice and Sebring.
