Adding to an existing aggressive seat-belt safety awareness and regulatory campaign, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a proposal this week that will require new motor coaches to have lap-shoulder belts which, when worn, can save lives by preventing ejection during crashes or rollovers.
“We’re committed to making sure that motor coach travelers reach their destination safely,” said Secretary LaHood. “Seat belts save lives, and putting them in motor coaches just makes sense.”
In Florida in 2009, of the 1,555 fatalities linked to car accidents, 917 passengers and drivers – or 59 percent – who were killed were not wearing seatbelts, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
In July we reported on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog that while Florida traffic accidents reached a new low in 2009, the number of accidents in St. Lucie actually increased.
And despite the statewide tick downward, there were still more than 25,000 traffic accidents in Broward County, more than 42,000 accidents reported in Miami-Dade, and the Palm Beach and St. Lucie areas combined reported more than 15,000 traffic accidents.
At Freeman & Mallard, our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys understand that being injured or losing a loved one in a car crash can be financially, emotionally and physically devastating. Dealing with car repairs, hospitalization, multiple trips to the doctor or rehabilitation, lost days at work, and even funeral expenses, add unbearable stresses and strains to daily life..
Talking with and experienced attorney who has a thorough understanding of Florida’s traffic laws and can properly investigate your case will help you better preserve your rights and navigate your way back from the aftermath of a serious accident.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a bus accident in Broward/Fort Lauderdale, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach or the Port St. Lucie area, the South Florida personal injury attorneys at Freeman & Mallard are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today to schedule a free and confidential review of your case, 1-800-529-2368.