Scooter Accident Claims Fort Lauderdale Man’s Life
A tragic accident on Interstate 95 has claimed the life of a man riding his scooter on the busy roadway. The accident occurred when a passenger vehicle hit the scooter which, according to authorities, caused the man to be thrown from the scooter. The man was then run over by a tractor trailer as well as another vehicle and was killed as a result of the accident. The busy interstate was shut down after the accident and authorities are trying to determine exactly what happened to cause this fatal accident.
Vulnerable Road Users – What Does This Mean?
There is no shortage of stories in our news today about traffic accidents, but some stand out as especially horrific. Those involving road users who are particularly vulnerable are particularly devastating, as the victims often have no chance. Vulnerable road users are people who are at the greatest risk of suffering serious injury or being killed as a result of being involved in an accident. The Florida Department of Transportation has recognized this category of vulnerable road users to include pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists and, in fact, Florida Code Section 316.027 includes those riding scooters and mopeds in their definition of this category along with those riding animals, riding in horse-drawn carriages, skateboarding or roller skating, or using a wheelchair or other electric mobility device on a roadway’s shoulder or in a crosswalk or other public right-of-way. Interestingly, even children, the elderly, and those who have a disability are considered vulnerable road users because of their increased risk of injury or death resulting from car crashes.
Increasing Safety For Vulnerable Road Users
The statistics citing fatality statistics for this group of road users is quite sobering and it is clear that this issue needs to be addressed. In recent years, the Florida Department of Transportation has made efforts to increase safety for these users including increasing awareness of the safety issues , increasing compliance with laws enacted to make road usage safer for this group, and continuing to put programs into place to promote safer shared roads. Florida’s legislature has enacted a long list of laws specifically aimed at making roadway conditions safer for vulnerable road users and requiring drivers sharing the road with them to use extra caution, give right of way, slow down, and move over. In some cases, there are increased penalties for drivers who violate the laws when accident victims include vulnerable road users.
Boone & Davis Can Help Injured Vulnerable Road Users
If you are a vulnerable road user and have been involved in an accident, you need to speak with an attorney experienced in these matters. You are entitled to recover for your damages and receive compensations for your injuries and losses you have suffered. The Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at Boone & Davis will review your case with you, determine the most effective way to proceed, and fight hard on your behalf every step of the way. Do not wait to take action – contact Boone & Davis now by calling 954.556.5260 or visiting us online to get started today.
Resources:
local10.com/traffic/fatal-crash-nortbound-i-95-stirling-road
suncoasttrafficschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/VRU-Handout_%C2%A9.pdf
fdot.gov/safety/shsp2012/SHSP-VulnerableRU-BikePed.shtm
suncoasttrafficschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/VRU-Handout_%C2%A9.pdf
