Driving a vehicle is the most common form of transportation, but there are many Florida residents who choose to walk or bike. The individuals who make this choice often do so for health reasons, but there are times when it is more convenient, efficient and cost-effective to leave the car parked in the garage.
If you are a person who rides a bicycle to work, walks regularly or chooses a form of transportation other than a motor vehicle, you may know that you could face an increased chance of an accident. In fact, statistics indicate Florida is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians, cyclists and others. Fortunately, there are some groups pushing to make roads safer for everyone and reduce the number of accidents.
A possible answer to a complicated problem
There are many reasons why there are a significant number of pedestrian accidents in Florida. During the spring and summer months, there is an influx of tourists driving who are unfamiliar with roads. Distracted driving, drunk driving and reckless driving are also common reasons for pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
There is a group accepting proposals in cities and municipalities throughout the state who want to make their areas more pedestrian-friendly. This group will evaluate plans and help in a coordination and advisory capacity. It is not easy, however, to implement measures such as adding bike baths, making certain streets pedestrian-only and taking other measures, and it can be costly. The proposed projects receive rankings according to the following factors:
- How much they will increase safety and potentially decrease accidents
- The proximity of the proposed projects to schools, hospitals and public spaces
- The cost and the changes necessary to complete the projects
The goal of this organization is to help areas prone to pedestrian and cyclist accidents reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities. The organization also has a set amount of money to help with these projects, but they will not be sufficient for every city and town that submits a plan.
What if you are an accident victim?
If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, you have the right to seek appropriate compensation for your financial losses. These accidents are often the result of the careless and reckless actions of a driver, and you may be able to secure recovery of your losses through a personal injury claim. You have the right to know your options, and you can do this by seeking an evaluation of your case as soon as possible after an accident.
