Pedestrian Highway Safety: A Critical Reminder from Florida’s Turnpike
A tragic incident on Florida’s Turnpike serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of pedestrian highway safety. Florida law strictly prohibits pedestrians from crossing highways or freeways, regardless of the circumstances. Orlando’s WFTV reported that a vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the Turnpike near the Turkey Lake rest stop, north of I-4, outside Orlando. The incident occurred late at night, when visibility is especially poor for both drivers and pedestrians. This remains true even if the freeway is well-lit.
A vehicle in one of the inside lanes first hit the pedestrian and threw him into another lane. There, a second vehicle struck him. Sadly, first responders pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene. Florida Highway Patrol temporarily closed all northbound lanes of the Turnpike while they investigated the incident. Officials have not yet determined why the pedestrian was crossing the freeway, especially since such actions are illegal under Florida law.
Florida Law on Pedestrian Highway Safety
Florida law explicitly prohibits pedestrians from walking on or crossing highways, such as the Turnpike. The law exists to prevent exactly these kinds of tragic accidents. Highways pose severe risks for pedestrians because of fast-moving traffic and reduced visibility. Without designated pathways, pedestrians cannot safely navigate these areas. Additionally, it is nearly impossible to judge the speed of approaching vehicles accurately, which makes crossing a highway extremely dangerous.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., our experienced personal injury attorneys have over 200 years of combined legal experience handling all types of motor vehicle accident cases across Florida. We represent clients injured in a variety of situations. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, reach out to the knowledgeable attorneys at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. today for a free consultation at 877-694-6079 or email us at contact@schwedlawfirm.com.