The tragic death of a Villages man hit by a car while on foot is an unfortunate reminder of the risk to pedestrians.
The 59-year-old man was struck by a sport utility vehicle while crossing U.S. 301, Villages-News reports. He reportedly had just left a bar when the accident occurred around 10:45 p.m. on a recent Friday night.
The SUV driver did not see the man crossing the highway before the crash. Police told Villages-News that the collision was still under investigation.
The accident highlights the hazards for pedestrians in The Villages and across Florida. The risks are much higher in overnight hours when pedestrians can be harder for drivers to spot and in areas not properly designed for foot traffic.
Nearly 10,000 pedestrian crashes were reported across the state this year, resulting in 600-plus deaths, according to data from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The total includes 140 pedestrian accidents and 19 deaths in Marion County, as well as 122 crashes and eight deaths in Lake County and 36 pedestrian accidents and four fatalities in Sumter County,
Deadly accidents involving pedestrians hit by cars have surged by more than 50% across the country in the last decade, the American Automobile Association found in a study. The vast majority of that increase came from collisions involving pedestrians walking in areas not designated for foot traffic and/or after dark.
Driver error is often to blame in these and other traffic accidents. Drivers are required to remain alert behind the wheel and be aware of pedestrians. Drivers who hit the road while fatigued or under the influence of alcohol and those who become distracted behind the wheel pose a serious safety risk.
Of course, drivers are not always to blame when these crashes happen.
Pedestrians should walk on sidewalks and paths whenever possible and should walk facing traffic when not possible. Cross streets and roads at designated intersections and never enter a street from between parked cars. Crossing in areas where drivers do not expect you raises the risk of a collision.
Anyone who is injured in a pedestrian or other traffic accident in Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash. In the tragic event that a person dies in a traffic collision, his or her loved ones have the right to go after those responsible with a wrongful death claim.
Speak With a Villages Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian or other accident, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced injury attorney. Villages accident attorney Tim Babiarz has been fighting for people and families across the community for more than two decades.
Our office is conveniently located in the Villages. We are also proud to represent clients throughout the area, including in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield and beyond. Call (352) 205-7559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Villages accident attorney.
