Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys have been talking recently about the dangers and the risks that are associated with aggressive driving and with road rage. You may remember that we told you about the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and its efforts to crack down on these drivers through the “Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks” campaign. The efforts focused on motorists’ driving behavior around large trucks in an effort to reduce the number of commercial vehicle-related accidents. You may have seen the billboards or heard the radio ads promoting this campaign. Well, the results are in.
There were three separate enforcement periods during this campaign that took place from February to May. During this time, officers were on the road looking for drivers who were displaying aggressive tendencies behind the wheel, including speeding, tailgating and changing lanes improperly. According to the DHSMV, there were nearly 5,000 citations issued during the campaign. Nearly half of those citations were directly related to aggressive driving. To help to cover the roadways better and to spread the word a little more efficiently, officials with the DHSMV teamed up with the Florida Trucking Association (FTA) for the campaign. The duo conducted a number of activities throughout the state to help to educate drivers about the risks of aggressive driving as well as to teach drivers the proper skills to use to share the roadway with commercial trucks safely.
Our Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys understand that our roadways can frustrate drivers at times. Much of the year we’ve got to deal with tourists, with heavy traffic flow and with various kinds of travelers on our roadways. These factors can cause traffic, delays and accidents. It’s super important to keep your cool behind the wheel to not only avoid a citation from an officer but to also help to prevent a potentially fatal accident.
“Whether you are driving a commercial motor vehicle or a passenger car, it is a driver’s responsibility to drive with care,” said Col. David Brierton with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Commercials trucks can be found on roadways statewide. These vehicles operate much differently than the motor vehicles that you and I drive. It’s important to practice safe and responsible driving habits around these vehicles to help to avoid an accident. Oftentimes, accidents with these vehicles can result in deadly consequences. Their size and weight bring about a lot of power. It’s important to allow these vehicles with plenty of space on our roadways. Never follow too closely or cut off a commercial vehicle. It’s most important to try to stay out of their blind spots. If you cannot see a driver, they cannot see you.
Remember to keep your cool, too. It can get frustrating on our roadways. Getting angry does nothing more than to increase your risks for accidents. Be safe and calm out there.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an accident in Fort Lauderdale or in any of the nearby areas, the Broward personal injury attorneys at Freeman & Mallard are here to help you to fight for the compensation that you deserve. Call today to schedule a free and confidential review of your rights. Call 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
New Rule to Help Reduce Risks of Trucking Accidents in Fellsmere and Elsewhere, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, April 26, 2012
Car Accidents in Riviera Beach and Elsewhere Targeted by FHP Safety Campaign, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, April 2, 2012