May has been designated as Motorcycle and Bicycle Safety Awareness Month, with Florida safety experts reminding drivers that “Sharing the Road” can help prevent accidents with cyclists and pedestrians. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in partnership with law enforcement agencies, transportation departments, and safety organizations, has launched the “Share the Road” campaign to educate drivers on their responsibilities and foster a culture of mutual respect and care on the state’s roadways.
The Importance of Sharing the Road
Florida’s roads are bustling with a diverse array of vehicles, from towering commercial trucks to nimble motorcycles and bicycles. This diversity, while enriching the transportation landscape, also presents unique challenges when it comes to safety. Motorcyclists and cyclists, in particular, are considered vulnerable road users, as they lack the protective metal frames and advanced safety features of larger automobiles.
According to FLHSMV, in 2021 alone, there were nearly 290 crashes per week involving a motorcycle or bicycle in the state. These sobering statistics underscore the critical need for all motorists to be attentive and adaptable when navigating Florida’s roadways.
Sharing the Road: Protecting Vulnerable Road Users
One of the key tenets of the sharing the road campaign is the emphasis on safeguarding motorcyclists and bicyclists. By law, drivers in Florida are required to provide a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing these vulnerable road users. Failure to do so can have devastating consequences, as evidenced by the alarming rise in bicycle and motorcycle fatalities in recent years.
In 2021, Florida recorded 6,392 bicycle crashes and 182 bicycle fatalities, a significant increase from the 158 fatalities reported in 2020. Similarly, the state saw 8,625 motorcycle crashes and 583 motorcycle fatalities, up from 510 the previous year.
Navigating the “No-Zone” with Commercial Vehicles
Sharing the road extends beyond just motorcycles and bicycles; it also encompasses the safe operation of commercial vehicles, such as large trucks and buses. These behemoths of the highway have unique handling characteristics and blind spots, known as the “No-Zone,” that can make them challenging to maneuver around.
Drivers are urged to be mindful of these limitations and avoid lingering in the “No-Zone” areas. Passing on the left, maintaining a safe following distance, and being aware of wide turns can all contribute to a harmonious coexistence between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.
Legislation for a Safer Road Environment
In recognition of the pressing need for enhanced road safety, the Florida legislature has taken proactive steps to address the issue. In June 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 950 into law, introducing several new guidelines aimed at improving the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.
The sharing the road law includes provisions that allow drivers to safely and briefly cross the center line to overtake a bicycle, prohibit right-turn maneuvers that could endanger cyclists, and permit groups of 10 or fewer bicyclists to proceed through intersections together. Additionally, the legislation defines “bicycle lane” and “separated bicycle lane,” providing clarity and guidance for all road users.
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By promoting a culture of mutual understanding, empathy, and responsibility, the campaign strives to create a road environment where all users feel safe, respected, and valued.
Through continued education, enforcement, and collaboration, Florida transportation authorities are committed to making its roads a model of safety and civility, setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow. Sharing the road will help reduce accidents and injuries in Florida.
Call 407-846-2240 today for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Kissimmee, Apopka, Palm Bay, Ocala, and Haines City.
