The Sarasota Police Department recently issued a reminder to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians of important safety guidelines in the wake of a pair of fatal crashes that occurred within the city.
One of the accidents occurred at 6:45 a.m. on Friday, April 30, in which a sedan turned in front of a motorcycle on South Tamiami Trail. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet, and sustained fatal injuries.
Then, at approximately noon on Sunday, May 2, a 57-year-old man tried crossing U.S. 301 near 21st Street when he was hit and killed by a truck. He was not in a crosswalk at the time of the accident.
Stay safe out there
The police department had the following reminders for pedestrians:
- Always use the crosswalk, and push buttons when available to get a walk signal to ensure safe passage across the street.
- Follow all traffic laws.
- If there are not sidewalks on a particular street, always walk against traffic so you can see and react to oncoming vehicles.
- Do everything you can to make yourself visible, including wearing bright, reflective clothing (especially at night).
The department also issued reminders to bicyclists:
- Always wear a helmet, as it can save your life in the event of an accident.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and obey all rules that you would as a motorist.
- Yield whenever appropriate to traffic.
- Make yourself visible. Use a headlight and taillight at night, wear bright, reflective clothing, make sure you’re in a lane where people can see you, and ensure your bicycle is outfitted with reflectors in all the proper areas so it can be seen.
These are just a few examples of some of the most important safety guidelines for pedestrians and cyclists. To learn more about the steps you should take if you’ve been injured in an accident, contact an experienced Sarasota, FL attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.