How to Avoid Pedestrian Injuries & Car Accidents in the Tampa, Florida Area

In 2008, 530 pedestrians and 121 bicyclists died in Florida traffic accidents. In addition to these tragedies, there were more than 7,500 pedestrian and 4,300 bicyclist injuries in the Sunshine State. Whether these accidents are caused by distractions, reckless driving, or failure to follow the rules, we all should work together to stay alert, share the road, and avoid senseless accidents.

The first step to avoiding pedestrian and bicycle accidents in the Tampa, Florida area is to be aware, whether you’re in South Tampa, Town 'n' Country, Brandon, Seminole Heights, Lutz, Clearwater, or St Petersburg. This means that walkers, joggers, cyclists, and the like should be aware of cars (and each other), while motor vehicle drivers should be aware of people traveling on foot and wheels.

If you are walking, skating, biking, and the like, Tampa auto accident attorney Dale Appell, P.A. recommends the following tips:

• Stay visible by wearing bright clothing in the day and reflective material at night
• Avoid talking on your cell phone, texting, wearing headphones, and other distractions
• Avoid walking or biking while intoxicated
• Cross the road at an intersection
• Follow marked walkways and traffic signals when crossing the street, and do not start crossing if a pedestrian crossing signal is blinking red
• Before you cross the street, wait for drivers to stop and make eye contact with you
• Also look left-right-left before you begin crossing the street, and continue to look both ways while you cross
• If you have the choice between walking on the street or on sidewalks, it is safer to stay on sidewalks, but keep an eye out for vehicles, bikes, etc. coming out of driveways
• If no sidewalk is available, people on foot should stay on the left side of the road, facing traffic
• Bicyclists should stay on the right side of the road and ride with the flow of traffic in marked lanes, if possible
• If you are in a wheelchair or motorized cart, or if you have a stroller, attach a safety flag for visibility
• Do not let children try to cross the road themselves or play near streets or driveways

The roads, sidewalks, and intersections in our area are becoming busier by the day, so it is important to bring attention to the real danger of pedestrian and cyclist accidents. Whether you commute back and forth to Tampa every day or you enjoy a daily stroll in your Brandon neighborhood, please watch for others and proceed with caution. A life could depend on it.

If you or someone you care about has been involved in a pedestrian, cycling, or car accident in the greater Tampa, Florida area and you have questions about being compensated for losses, please contact the law firm of Dale Appell, P.A. for a free initial consultation about your case.