South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
A recent pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale on I-95, near Broward Boulevard, took the life of a pedestrian as the man attempted to cross the busy roadway to get help. The accident happened in the southbound lanes of traffic at roughly 7:30 p.m., according to 7NEWS. The man was crossing the street after his van broke down on the interstate. The driver who hit the pedestrian stayed at the scene until help arrived. Broward Sheriff’s deputies shut down traffic immediately following the accident.
“Too many cars were coming, and he still crossed,” the man’s cousin told the news station.
Our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers understand that breakdowns unfortunately happen and many times, motorists are left to fend for themselves on our busy Florida roads. This is the final entry of our 6-part blog discussing New Year’s resolutions travelers can make to help ensure the safety of everyone on our roadways. Florida State University is here to offer motorists a few safety tips to help prevent a motor vehicle or pedestrian collision after an unfortunate breakdown.
Safety tips for when your vehicle breaks down:
-Consider safety first for both you and your passengers. Vehicles are replaceable, lives are not.
-You should figure out if your vehicle is near any noticeable landmarks, such as road markers or sign, to help reference your vehicle’s location when calling authorities.
-If your car is breaking down, try to pull off the roadway as much as possible to the right and remain on ground level.
-If you can’t get your vehicle into a safe spot away from traffic and you think you and your vehicle are in danger of being struck by passing motorists, do not stay in the vehicle. Exit the vehicle and stand in a safe spot away from traffic.
-If you think your car is leaking gasoline, put out any lit cigarettes and get out and away from the car immediately.
-Never stand right in front of or behind your vehicle.
-You never want to risk injury by trying to push your car into a safe location.
-If you are unable to pull off of the road safely, be sure to use road flares, warning triangles or flashers directing traffic around your stopped vehicle.
-Once stopped, raise the hood of your vehicle and tie a brightly-colored cloth to either the door handle or to the antenna to make yourself more visible to passing traffic.
-Call for help immediately. Call from inside your car if you’re in a safe spot. Call from outside your vehicle if your car is in danger while standing in a safe area.
-If your car is in a safe spot, stay inside!
-If you don’t have a cell phone on you and have to ask a stranger for help, have them notify emergency personnel for you.
We are asking all Floridians to make one of their New Year’s resolutions to be a safe traveler. Remember to be courteous while passing others who may have broken down on our roadways. Safer roadways start with you. Have a safe and Happy 2012.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale, Wellington or elsewhere in South Florida, contact Freeman, Mallard, Gonzalez & Sharp to discuss your rights. Call us for a free consultation at 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Intersections a Top Spot for Car Accidents in Palm Beach Gardens and Elsewhere, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, January 5, 2012
Parents May Soon Have a New Way to be Alerted of Teen Car Accidents in Wellington and Elsewhere, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, December 28, 2011