Collision Between SUV, Bicyclists Highlight the Importance of Road Safety
In January, eight bicyclists were struck by an SUV on A1A in the Palm Beach County town of Gulf Stream. Delray Beach Fire Rescue was called to the scene in the 2800 block of North Ocean Blvd. The driver of the Kia Soul SUV and six of the cyclists were transported to Delray Medical Center and Bethesda Hospital East.
The group was cycling northbound on SR A1A in Gulf Stream before 7 a.m. when the driver of a white Kia going southbound slammed into them. Florida Highway Patrol said the driver of the Kia is a 77-year-old woman from Lantana. With further investigation, the police confirmed that the cyclists were not at fault since they adhered to safety precautions and wore helmets at the time of the crash.
Considered to be a cycling haven, the crash in South Florida transformed the idyllic stretch of roadway into a scene of chaos and confusion. The tragedy renewed focus on crucial questions about road safety regulations. For instance, there have been calls to designate separate paths for cars and bicycle lanes in the stretch of North Ocean Blvd.
At very least, there should be increased awareness from drivers as well as wider bike lanes or markings on the ground that show they are shared roadways. The stretch of A1A in Gulf Stream where this accident occurred is particularly dangerous, because there is no designated bike path.
Florida’s roads can be extremely perilous for cyclists. Florida has one of the highest bicycle accident rates in the country so if you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, the attorneys at Kobren Law can help you or your family members with bicycle-related injuries. Our bicycle accident lawyers can protect your rights and seek justice.
If you are unsure whether you have a case, the best thing to do is give us a call and tell us about what happened. We will guide you through the process, gather evidence, file a claim, and work to secure the compensation you deserve. Call Kobren Law today at 561-361-8677 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
