Governor Scott Vetoed Law Allowing Increased Highway Speed Limits

Florida Governor Rick Scott vetoed Florida Senate Bill 392 (2014). Click here to review the governor’s veto letter. Had this bill become law it would have allowed the speed limit on certain highways in Florida to be increased to 75 mph, making auto accidents more likely to occur on Florida highways. This veto keeps Florida in the majority of states with speed limits not in excess of 70 mph. We previously posted about this bill, emphasizing the increased dangers of driving at higher rates of speed, including the occurrence and severity of an auto accident. No matter the speed limit, we ask...

2013 Boating Accident Statistical Report

Jeffrey Berman

Today the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission published its 2013 Boating Accident Statistical Report. The 2013 Boating Accident Statistical Report indicates there were sixty-two fatalities caused by a boating related accident in Florida in 2013. Drowning is reported as the leading cause of death. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also reports there have been eleven fatalities caused by a boating related accident in Florida so far this year. The 2013 Boating Accident Statistical Report stresses the importance of boating safety, including more careful boat operation and the use of life jackets. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates Florida’s fish and wildlife resources to protect their well-being and ensure...

Four Florida Metropolitan Areas Most Dangerous for Pedestrian Accident Nationwide

Jeffrey Berman

This week urban design activist organization, Smart Growth America, through its National Complete Streets Coalition, published Dangerous by Design 2014, a pedestrian safety report. Dangerous by Design 2014 identifies four Florida metropolitan areas, including Miami-Fort Lauderdale, as the four most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrians nationwide. Smart Growth America advocates for smart growth solutions as many American cities are undergoing urban revitalization. As you drive through south Florida’s urban centers, you may have noticed signs in the middle of the road warning drivers to yield to pedestrians. These and other safety precautions help lessen the number of pedestrian accidents. A pedestrian accident usually results in catastrophic personal injury or wrongful death. Drivers are...

Florida Senate and House Unanimously Pass Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act

Jeffrey Berman

The Florida Senate and House of Representatives unanimously passed the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act, which is awaiting the governor’s signature. The Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act would, among other things, increase the mandatory minimum prison sentence for a driver leaving the scene of a car accident involving injury or death of a cyclist or pedestrian. The Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act would remove an incentive under current law for drivers involved in a car accident with a cyclist or pedestrian to leave the scene. Click here to review the Senate bill, and click here to review the House bill. The Aaron Cohen...

Law Allowing Increased Highway Speed Limit on Governor Scott’s Desk

Jeffrey Berman

Last week the Florida House of Representatives adopted and passed Florida Senate Bill 392 (2014). This bill, if signed into law by Governor Scott, would allow the speed limit on certain highways in Florida to be increased to 75 mph. Florida would join a small group of states with speed limits in excess of 70 mph. It is uncertain whether Governor Scott will veto the bill. We previously posted about this proposed new law, emphasizing the increased dangers of driving at higher rates of speed. Please slow down to help prevent and lessen the incidence of personal injury and wrongful death resulting from...