Florida motorists who fail to share the road continue to injure and kill bicyclists and pedestrians.
A Bradenton bicyclist named Pedro Pupa was killed by a truck in early June, 2014 while cycling in the 5400 block of Bay Shore Road in Sarasota. A large delivery truck failed to see or yield to Mr. Pupa, and instead turned in front of him near the Ringling Museum. Unable to stop, Mr. Pupa struck the side of the truck driven by 58-year old Tampa man, Willie Burns.
Taken to the Blake Medical Center, Mr. Pupa died that evening.
A 20-year old native of Brazil, Mr. Pupa was a member of the Sarasota Ballet. A corps de ballet dancer, Mr. Pupa was at the ballet studio just before the accident. Of the talented dancer, Mary Anne Servian, managing director of the Sarasota Ballet said, “Always a smile; always a kind word. Pedro lived life to the fullest.”
The driver of the truck that hit Mr. Pupa states he did not see the bicyclist. Tips for motorists to avoid accidents like this in Florida include:
- Operators of motor vehicles must remain alert to all commuters using any form of transportation.
- Before turning, motorists should check and recheck to ensure the turning path is clear.
Mr. Burns was cited for violating the right-of-way of a bicyclist.
More than 500 people died in accidents involving walkers and bikers in this state in 2012. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 726 bicyclists were killed across the country that year.
The promising life of Mr. Pupa was cut short by negligence. If you, or a loved one, suffer injury in a bicycle accident in Bradenton, seek experienced legal advice.