FHP officials express safety concerns for pedestrians ahead of holiday weekend

BAY COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Just last week, two separate incidents involving pedestrians and a bicyclist left people injured.

Florida Highway Patrol State Troopers are reminding everyone to practice safety when operating any kind of transportation.

While thousands will visit our shorelines for the 4th of July weekend, it’s the streets that officials are worried about.

The Florida Highway Patrol responded to two incidents last week. One was a vehicle versus bicyclist off Thomas Drive, where a 75-year-old biker was injured.

The other involves a pedestrian versus a vehicle on Highway 98, that pedestrian was also injured.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida has had over 4800 pedestrian crashes this year, 66 of those happening in the Panhandle. There have been more than 4200 bicycle crashes statewide 55 of those here in the Panhandle.

With the influx of tourists this week, Sgt. Nathan Russell is reminding everyone to be careful, especially when riding a bicycle or walking down the street

“What a lot of folks lose track of is that they think they’re being safe when they’re out there on foot or on a bicycle. Because they’re the traffic laws don’t aren’t exactly the same, but a lot of them do apply. But what they don’t realize is that if you are in a collision, there’s a lot less to keep you safe if you’re not in a vehicle,” Sgt. Russell said.

Russell also said that when alcohol is involved, you should not operate any mode of transportation.

“Anything that you’re physically in operation if you’re impaired to the point that your normal faculties are impaired, you’re subject to the driving under the influence laws and you can be arrested for DUI,” Sgt Russell said.

He says the best ways for pedestrians to be safe is to use crosswalks and sidewalks and wear reflective or light-colored clothing during evenings and nights. As for those riding bicycles, he says it’s important to follow all traffic rules and drive with the flow of traffic at all times.

Additionally, you should check to make sure your bike has proper lighting if you’re riding at night.

Russell says they want people to stay safe but still have fun.

“As we move into the fourth weekend and throughout the rest of summer for I would call, and our state and local partners and law enforcement too, just hope that everybody’s safe,” Sgt Russell added.

More than 60 million Americans are expected to be on the roads for the holiday, so it’s important to keep traffic rules in mind wherever you go.

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