Guardrails on Florida highways are meant to save lives in motor vehicle crashes. After all, it's what we pay our hard earned tax dollars for. Empty promises by Florida Department of Transportation have left one family mourning the loss of three according to a recent article in The Palm Beach Post.
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A mother of two was recently a victim of such a tragedy tragedy when her and her two daughters drowned after driving off the side of the road and into the canal along westbound State Road 80. Her Jeep swerved over into the eastbound lane, hit a berm and flipped over before plummeting into the canal. Since 2004, nine other lives have been taken near this same location in similar accidents.
This accident happens to follow a failed commitment from Florida DOT to begin constructing guardrails in this area; construction was supposed to start last July. The mother, able to call 9-1-1 from inside her vehicle, was not able to save her and her children's lives. By the time rescue responders arrived, the Jeep was completely immersed in water.
County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, among others, began insisting guardrails be erected last year. The fact that it still hasn't been done makes him even more irate. There is an 18-mile long stretch that needs to be altered to preserve the safety of future motorists traveling on roadways running parallel to the canal.
Insufficient guardrail protection is just one example of how a road can be defective. The following are other examples that motorists should be alert for:
-Poor overhead security lights.
-Utility pools and trees placed in an improper location.
-Blinking traffic signals that aren't meant to blink.
-Water standing on the road due to poor drainage.
-Shoulders along the roadways that are frayed or muddy.
-Insufficient signage in areas where it is slippery or curved sharply.
-Unsafe roadway design.
Suffering a personal injury from a defective road accident is unacceptable. If you are a victim in this type of accident call for legal advice so you are aware of your rights.
The personal injury attorneys at Hollander Law Firm are experienced in handling complex motor vehicle cases. If you have been injured in Boca Raton, Naples, or Fort Myers call for a free case evaluation at 1-888-751-7770.
