Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise in Sarasota: Urgent Need for Safety Measures - 2024-02-20

Pedestrian Accidents Are on the Rise in Sarasota

As you walk the streets downtown Sarasota, take a moment to think about pedestrian safety. Though the palm trees sway in the shadows of new the luxury condos going up like mushrooms, pedestrian accidents remain a stark reality. In fact, in 2021 alone there were at least 160 crashes involving pedestrians, in Sarasota County resulting in 18 people loosing their lives. and many were not even in areas associated with foot traffic like downtown, but took place on more dangerous roads like University Parkway or Tamiami Trail.

Distracted Driving and Speeding: A Deadly Combination

Distracted driving and speeding are two of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in Sarasota. When drivers are not paying attention to the road, they are more likely to hit pedestrians. And when drivers are speeding, they have less time to react to pedestrians and avoid a collision.

High-Risk Intersections and Roads For Pedestrians In Sarasota And Manatee Counties

There are a number of high-risk intersections and roads for pedestrians in Sarasota and Manatee counties. These include:

• Fruitville Road and Main Street
• University Parkway
• Tamiami Trail
• Bee Ridge Road
• Clark Road

Seasonal Influx and Nighttime Accidents

The number of pedestrian accidents in Sarasota tends to increase during the winter months, when there are more tourists in town. And nighttime accidents are also more common, as pedestrians are less visible to drivers.

Urgent Need for Infrastructure and Education

There is an urgent need for improved infrastructure and education to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in Sarasota. This includes:

• Installing more crosswalks and pedestrian signals
• Improving lighting at intersections
• Educating drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and speeding
• Educating pedestrians about the importance of using crosswalks and obeying traffic signals

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents at Dangerous Intersections

The most common causes of pedestrian accidents at dangerous intersections include:

• Left-hand turns
• Distracted driving
• Unmarked crosswalks
• Road design flaws

Pedestrian Safety Tips When Crossing Fruitville Road and Main Street

If you are crossing Fruitville Road or Main Street, be sure to:

• Be vigilant and alert
• Obey traffic signals and use crosswalks
• Increase your visibility

What to Do After Being Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian

If you are hit by a car as a pedestrian, it is important to:

• Call for emergency assistance
• Document the accident details
• Do not discuss fault with the other parties
• Get legal representation
• Prioritize your recovery

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs: How an Attorney Can Help if You're Injured

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, an experienced attorney can help you:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• File a personal injury lawsuit
• Maximize your compensation

Contacting a specialized pedestrian accident lawyer in Sarasota is the best way to safeguard your legal rights after an accident.