Last Update: 01/13/16
Florida is beautiful, and in the summer months not only do native Floridians get out and about to drive the scenic routes or take short weekend jaunts, but many people drive vehicles into the Sunshine State to explore all the fun and festive and fabulous things that Florida has to offer.
Which means that more people are on our roads, and more vehicles are sharing Florida’s highways in the next few months than other time of the year.
This month, the Florida Highway Patrol joins with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to educate everyone driving along Florida roads — motorcyclists and drivers of cars, sedans, minivans, SUVs, pickup trucks, buses, big rigs, and every kind of on-road vehicle — about the increased risk for traffic accidents occurring in the summer months.
“Whether it’s by car or by motorcycle, get out and enjoy Florida’s beauty this summer, but do so safely,‖ said Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “I can’t stress enough the fact that we all must share the road for a safer Florida.”
1. Motorcycles
One particular concern for FHP are motorcylcists. Understanding the issues about sharing the road with motorcyclists is important for all Florida drivers because many drivers simply aren’t aware that a motorcycle is on the road until it’s too late. More motorcycle accidents happen in Miami-Dade County and Broward County than any other counties in the State of Florida.
2. Aggressive Drivers
Aggressive driving is a particular concern for Florida Troopers because it often involves a commercial driver trying to get cargo to a destination before a deadline. According to the FHP, big rig commercial truck crashes (which often include one or more fatalities) will involve driver error on the part of either the truck driver or the automobile driver in 88% of these large truck accidents.
In these situations, FHP watches for signs of aggressive drivers (in either vehicle) doing things like: following too closely, making risky and unsafe lane changes, or simply going over the speed limit.
3. Road Rage
Similar to aggressive driving but going over the line is a driver that is experiencing road rage. Here, there are signs of aggressive driving but in addition to aggression, there are also emotional behaviors that include flashing lights, driving too close to the rear of another car (tailgating), sounding the horn repeatedly, throwing stuff out of the vehicle, yelling at other drivers from the vehicle, and sometimes, even going so far as causing an accident.
What Should You Do?
A good piece of advice if you have been harmed in an accident, is to at least speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer before you file a claim to learn about some of the issues that can arise with these claims, including the type of evidence needed to prove a claim and the type and amount of damages you can recover. Most personal injury lawyers, like Alan Sackrin, will offer a free initial consultation (over the phone or in person) to answer your questions.
Related:
_______________
Do you have questions or comments? Then please feel free to send Alan an email or call him now at (954) 458-8655.
