The local police department was forced to conduct a traffic safety checkpoint after a slew of complaints were received about bad drivers in the city. Residents were calling and complaining about drivers’ poor and unsafe habits behind the wheel in the Fort Lauderdale area. These complaints included speeding and a number of other traffic violations. The checkpoint was held on Northwest 10th Street at approximately 6 p.m. Officers were there tracking down poor drivers for about four hours, according to the Sun Sentinel.
Drivers were selected at random and questioned about their driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. This increased visibility enforcement effort was used to help raise awareness in drivers in the area and to help reduce the risks of car accidents in Fort Lauderdale.
Our Fort Lauderdale injury lawyers understand that traffic safety programs form an integral component of the effective, comprehensive law enforcement operation. Oftentimes, these programs are thrown in the backseat as other safety programs take first priority. Sometimes, it isn’t until it’s too late that these dangers are recognized and targeted by officials, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Some of the “more important” enforcement efforts target gang violence, violent crimes and the proliferation of illegal narcotics. The truth of the matter is that successful traffic initiatives help to reduce the risks of car crashes as well as help to save lives.
Some of this may seem so nonsensical to some of you safer drivers out there. Why are other drivers so dangerous behind the wheel when safe driving habits are so simple? Unfortunately, we do have those motorists on our roadways that choose not to obey the law. We have drivers who disobey traffic signals and signs, drivers who endanger nearby pedestrians, sleepy drivers, inexperienced drivers and we’ve got angry drivers. Essentially, we have many people who fail to acknowledge the dangers associated with driving or they fail to see their driving habits as a threat to roadway safety.
Safe Driving Tips from the City of Fort Lauderdale:
-Never drive with a license that has been suspended, canceled or revoked.
-Be sure to obey all traffic signs and signals.
-Practice defensive driving habits. These habits may be one of your best defenses against an accident with an irresponsible driver.
-Never drive when you’re feeling sleepy. Drowsy driving is a contributor to roughly 20 percent of all fatal accidents.
-Avoid drinking and driving. Not only is it illegal, but it’s dangerous and can produce deadly consequences.
-Stay calm behind the wheel. Another 20 percent of all accidents report the involvement of either an aggressive or an enraged driver. We all know there’s going to be some traffic on our roadways. Leave with plenty of time to reach your destination to avoid rushing and frustration.
-Parents are asked to keep an eye on the teen drivers in the family. Teen drivers have some of highest risks for car accidents.
-Just as we need to keep an eye on our young drivers, it’s important to keep an eye on the elderly drivers in the family.
If you or someone in your family has been involved in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale with a dangerous and irresponsible driver, the South Florida personal injury attorneys at Freeman & Mallard are here to help you understand your rights and are ready to fight for the compensation that you deserve. Call today to schedule a free and confidential review of your case, 1-800-529-2368.
Additional Resources:
Bad driving complaints lead to Tuesday traffic safety checkpoint in Fort Lauderdale, by Ihosvani Rodriguez, Sun Sentinel
More Blog Entries:
Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Hallandale More Likely through Spring Break, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, March 9, 2012
Parents Reducing Risks of Teen Car Accidents in South Bay and Elsewhere, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, March 7, 2012