Florida finally passed a law this year that enhances the penalties for drivers who seriously injure or kill a vulnerable road user like a pedestrian or bicyclist. As I’ve covered before, bills that would have provided enhanced penalties in these cases have consistently failed in the Florida legislature in 2019, 2020, and 2022. But we now have a victory for our side.
Carrying a concealed firearm without a license will no longer be a crime in Florida after July 1. This following the signing into law of
I’m sure you heard that creative defense from the Florida man out in Vero Beach when he was stopped for suspicion of DUI. He was
Florida, known for its vibrant culture and scenic landscapes, is unfortunately also recognized for some of the most dangerous roads in the country. Every year, countless lives are affected by crashes on the roads, leaving families shattered and communities grieving. As we observe the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, it’s essential to reflect on the impact these tragedies have had on our lives and reaffirm our commitment to road safety.
I was recently asked if cyclists in Florida could wear headphones while riding their bikes. Of course, I had to give the cliché lawyer answer: “It depends.”
The reason is because the law governing this area gives plenty of exceptions.
A group of bicyclists are riding two abreast on a typical Florida road one Saturday morning. A driver, irritated by the riders slowing him by a few seconds, accelerates to get around the group. The driver keeps close to the group as other drivers approach in the opposite direction. The driver hits the riders on the inside line, injuring some and killing others in the crash. A proposed Florida law would deny these bicyclists and their families any justice.
Bills protecting Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) were again filed this 2022 Florida Legislative Session, which started on January 11. You’ll remember there were prior unsuccessful attempts in 2019 and 2020.
Today the 2020 Legislative Session was convened by the Florida Legislature and there will be another attempt at passing protections for vulnerable road users (VRU). After the success in passing a ban on handheld devices in school and work zones and texting while driving, there’s hope that more can be done this year.
As the popularity of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, continues to grow in Florida and the US, so will the likelihood of crashes with drivers increase to perhaps the same levels we see with riders of conventional bicycles. So what protections do e-bike riders have? What are their rights and obligations? What are their options if they are injured in a crash?
There are some big changes effecting Florida bicyclists starting July 1, 2021. On June 29, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 950, addressing bicycle and pedestrian safety, into law. I wrote about the initial version of this bill back in March when it was introduced in the Senate, along with its companion bill in the House. The bill was modified as it travelled through committees for its final votes, passing both the Senate and House. Here is what the final version will now mean for Floridians.
There are identical bills in both the House and Senate of the Florida Legislature this session that would for the first time provide meaningful protection and justice for pedestrians and bicyclists injured and killed in crashes with automobiles.
Two bills have been introduced in the Florida Legislature that are one of the most progressive for bicyclist and pedestrian safety for the state in recent memory.
