Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
If you remember about a month back, our Oakland Park car accident attorneys discuss the 2012 Drive Sober Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign headed by the Florida Highway Patrol.
On our blog we talked about the risks associated with the holiday season and with the New Year.
Well, the results are in.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), the enforcement period ran from December 12th of 2012 through January 2nd of 2013. During this time, officers put a hold on administrative duties and sent all troopers to our roadways to hunt down dangerous drivers.
Close to 40,000 traffic citations were issued. Another 550 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There were close to 14,000 drivers cited for speeding and close to 3,000 motorists cited for neglecting to wear a seat belt.
The enforcement didn’t stop accidents from happening, as there were still close to 11,000 traffic accidents reported during this time. Officers did get to help out troubled motorists during this busy holiday travel period though, offering assistant to close to 11,000 motorists.
“Every year the members of the Patrol do their part to identify unsafe drivers and remove them from the roadways, as well as take the appropriate steps to deter unsafe driving behaviors,” said Col. David Brierton with the Florida Highway Patrol.
During the recent announcement, Florida law enforcement officers took the time to remind drivers about the state’s “Move Over Law.” What this law requires drivers to do is to move over a traffic lane when approaching an emergency vehicle, a police vehicle or a tow truck with its emergency lights flashing. By moving over a lane, we can help to provide these workers with the space they need to complete their jobs and can help to prevent fatal accidents. If you’re unable to move over a lane, you’re required to travel at least 20 miles per hour under the speed limit. If you’re traveling on a roadway that has a 20 mile an hour speed limit, they you’re required to slow it down to 5 miles per hour.
It’s a new year and a new chance to renew our dedication to safe driving. With thousands dying on Florida roadways each year, it’s time to focus on what we can do to help to prevent these accidents. Remember that there should never be a legitimate reason to hop behind the wheel after consuming any amount of alcohol or drugs. There’s also no reason to exceed posted speed limits. Need more time? Leave earlier! It’s also important to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel. Remember that distracted driving is a top cause for fatal traffic accidents here in the state of Florida There are a number of preventative measures and the movement starts with you and your driving habits!
We are in the height of tourist season now. South Florida roads are often congested and it can be slow going. A little patience can go a long way toward helping you arrive at your destination safely.
If you or someone you love has been the injured or killed in a car accident, contact Freeman, Mallard, Sharp, & Gonzalez at 1-800-561-7777 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case.
More Blog Entries:
Another Local Officer Injured in Roadside Accident, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, January 9, 2013
Florida Officials Pushing “Move Over Law” to Save Lives, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, January 8, 2013