Floridians Trying to Change the Tide Against the Uprise in Bicycle/Automobile Accidents
3/7/2017
PBSO deputies had to deal with an accident involving a bicycle and a vehicle on 6th Avenue South in the heart of Lake Worth. One of the people involved in the accident was sent to the hospital.
Vehicular accidents involving bicycles have been growing in Florida and the whole country. This is likely because many people are opting to use a bicycle instead of driving. There are many reasons why this might be happening. For example, a growing number of people are concerned about the pollution that vehicles are producing. There is also another group of people who simply do not want to worry about the expenses that come along with car ownership, such as insurance, gas, and registration fees.
The increase of bicycle-riders means that safety regulations may need to change so that roads are a little safer for drivers and bicyclists. The Florida Department of Transportation is joining the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and the Palm Beach Springs Police Department to create a plan to try to fix this growing issue.
For one, all of these departments are initiating informational campaigns to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety. The campaigns are meant to help pedestrians and bicyclists learn a little more about safety regulations that can be used to keep people safe while walking or bicycling. One of the meetings was scheduled to happen on the intersection between Forest Hill Boulevard and Military Trail on the seventh of March. Those interested in updates can contact any of the departments involved in the campaign for additional information.
The campaign involves mostly volunteers who care about the danger that bicyclists and pedestrians face when they are near vehicular traffic. The volunteers pass out safety literature that might be helpful like looking both ways before crossing at an intersection, even if the light is green. The literature might also include just how important it is to avoid wearing earphones or talking on the phone to make sure a person pays attention.
The literature also details the importance of wearing reflective clothing and using LED lights at night to make sure vehicles can see the pedestrian or the bicyclist. It is sad that pedestrians and bicyclists have to change the way they conduct themselves on the street, but safety is not always convenient. The goal should remain clear, which is to reduce the number of these types of accidents that could end up being tragic.
It is important to note that understanding how to be safe while bicycling or walking is just one aspect that needs to be taken into consideration. It is important to have legal representation handy. An accident can lead to physical trauma and financial stress, which someone should be responsible for. Legal aid or counsel will help make sure that a strong case is brought against the guilty party, should the worse happen. Hopefully, the drivers around the cities try to be more vigilant for both bicyclists and pedestrians.