Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
Passenger-vehicle traffic has little chance when involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer or other large commercial vehicle. With rising concern, officials with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) have launched the Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks safety campaign.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), the enforcement campaign will be targeting the West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas. The official campaign runs from February 4th through February 8th. During this time, law enforcement officers will be out on our roadways hunting down drivers who display aggressive driving habits.
“The Florida Highway Patrol is committed to keeping our roadways safe for all motorists, and we are pleased to partner with the Florida Trucking Association on this safety campaign,” said the Director of FHP, Col. David Brierton.
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys understand that aggressive driving habits can include behavior exhibited by many drivers, including following too closely and unsafe lane changes. We’re asking all drivers to be safe out there and to remember that we’re all sharing the road — and we need to do so safely.
Officials with the FHP offer some safety tips to help to ensure that we’re all sharing the road safely together. Consider the following advice:
-Make sure you never travel in a truck’s blind spots. These can also be referred to as the No Zones. Your best bet is to remember that if you can’t see the driver of the truck, then he cannot see you.
-Be ready for a wide right turn. Remember that these drivers need to swing wide to the right so they can make the turn. Steer clear of these vehicles when they’re turning.
-Always pay attention. Don’t allow distractions to make their way into the driver’s seat. Focus your attention on safe driving.
-Leave some extra room for trucks. This is especially important when following behind them. Remember it can take them about twice as long to stop as you.
-Buckle up! Don’t forget that a seat belt is your best bet against injury or death in the event of an accident. Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled in during each car ride.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were close to 200 large trucks involved in fatal car accidents in the state of Florida in 2010. Many of these accidents can be prevented with safer driving. These risks are only expected to increase unfortunately. With the snowbirds and all of the tourists in town, we have less room on our roadways. It’s more important than ever that we drive with caution and be courteous of those we share the road with, especially larger vehicles. Stay back and stay out of the danger zones. It could wind up saving your life!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, contact Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Twelve Accidents and Bus Driver Stays on Payroll, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, February 4, 2013
Airport Car Accident Causes Serious Delays for Travelers, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, January 31, 2013