Pedestrian Safety Program Receives Additional $25,000 – New Port Richey Pedestrian Injury and Death Cases 5th Worst in Florida

New Port Richey, Florida – A pedestrian safety program that took effect in New Port Richey almost two years ago recently received a $25,000 boost from Florida’s Department of Transportation.

The city of New Port Richey ranks among Florida’s most dangerous cities for pedestrians and bicyclists, according to officials.

As of this year, the city has not recorded any pedestrian fatalities. However, officers investigated four pedestrian deaths in 2010 and another three in 2011.

Since 2010, officers have written 977 citations and 81 warnings while making seven arrests.

Due to the fact that the city’s safety initiative appears to be getting results, the DOT will fund the program for another year.

Officers emphasize that drivers as well as pedestrians must be extra cautious in walkways and other crossings.

According to DOT statistics from last year, New Port Richey ranks fifth for traffic fatalities and injuries among 97 Florida cities with populations between 15,000 and 75,000.

The city ranks first for pedestrian injuries and deaths, and takes the eighth spot for accidents involving bicycles.

Many of the citations issued have gone to pedestrians who failed to cross at marked crosswalks. The traffic ticket costs $62.50.

Traffic signs are posted within crosswalks at some of the city’s busiest intersections. The signs serve as a reminder to drivers to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Some traffic signals in the city even indicate how many seconds remain for pedestrians to cross safely.

In large cities throughout the United States, like the city of New Port Richey, pedestrians and motorists are expected to follow the rules of the road and behave in a safe and courteous manner towards one another. Unfortunately, when pedestrians and drivers alike choose to ignore these considerations, the results can be fatal.

There are many possible causes of pedestrian vs. motor vehicle accidents, and what some people fail to realize is that these catastrophes can be caused by either one of the involved parties.

When a car collides with a pedestrian, the accident can usually be attributed to one of the following scenarios:

• Failure to follow certain safety signs, such as speed limits, stop signs, yield signs or traffic lights
• Taking corners too swiftly
• Breezing through intersections before checking for pedestrians or bystanders
• Driver inattention resulting in delayed braking
• Vehicle failure

Pedestrian-caused accidents may be caused by:

• Failure to pay attention when crossing the street
• Falling off of the sidewalk into the street
• Chasing after another person or object in the roadway
• Failure to follow crosswalk signals

Pedestrians are responsible for keeping themselves safe on sidewalks by exercising extreme caution in crosswalks and other walkways. However, motorists must also make sure they give pedestrians the respect they deserve. Unfortunately, accidents between motor vehicles and pedestrians can result in devastating injuries and even wrongful death. Should you or someone you care for become involved in an accident caused by an unsafe or reckless driver, the Pasco County Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you fight back.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian vs. automobile accident New Port Richey, contact the Pasco Auto Accident Injury Lawyers online or call 727-847-2299.