A new public safety ordinance recently introduced in Manatee County prohibits panhandling on busy roads in the county.
According to Manatee County commissioners, the new ordinance bans any exchange of money from a vehicle to pedestrian. The commissioners say the purpose is to improve safety for pedestrians. The implementation of the new ordinance comes after a recent surge in the number of accidents involving pedestrians, as well as an increase in some “aggressive interactions” between drivers and pedestrians.
The new ordinance makes it illegal for panhandlers or pedestrians to stand and remain on the medians in highly trafficked roads.
Pedestrian safety a constant issue in Florida
Florida frequently ranks among the most dangerous states in the nation for pedestrians, with accident and fatality statistics that often dwarf those of other states around the country. There are a wide variety of reasons for this, including the sheer number of tourists throughout the state, the higher percentage of elderly people living in the state and the design of some of the roadways in major urban areas.
The state is well aware of the pedestrian accident and fatality statistics and continues to look for new ways to decrease them, but resolving an issue like this that has been present for decades is, of course, easier said than done.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by another person’s negligence, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.