Sixteen motorists were killed over the Fourth of July Holiday, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which reported that authorities issued almost 10,000 citations.
As our Port St. Lucie injury lawyers and Fort Pierce accident attorneys reported just before the holiday, a total of 30 motorists were killed in Florida traffic accidents during last year’s Fourth of July celebration.
Holiday enforcement effort:
-Total Citations: 9.334
-DUI Arrests: 100
-Speeding: 3,404
-Seat belt tickets: 1,102
-Motorist assists: 2,686
-Fatalities: 16
Drunk driving and speeding are the two primary factors in serious and fatal accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that two-thirds of all fatal traffic accidents involve either alcohol or speed.
As we reported on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, just-released data show the fatal accident rate in Florida fell to an all-time low last year. As South Florida heads toward Labor Day and the winter tourist season, authorities are urging drivers to practice safe driving habits and help reduce the risk of serious or fatal traffic accidents.
“The Florida Highway Patrol works hard to ensure residents and visitors make it safely to their destinations,” said Col. John Czernis. “For us, that means putting additional troopers on the roadways to deter and to stop motorists who drive illegally and without regard to others’ safety. FHP does not tolerate risky behavior, such as drinking and driving, and neither should you.”
Motorists who are concerned about an unsafe driver on the highway can contact the highway patrol by dialing *FHP (*347).
Freeman & Mallard is a personal injury and wrongful death law firm dedicated to helping motorists who have been injured in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and the Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce areas. Call today for a free consultation. 1-800-529-2368.