January was deadliest month on County roadways in years...and two-thirds fatalities were vulnerable road users!

January 2013 was a deadly month on Lee County roads, with 12 people losing their lives--two-thirds of them vulnerable road users!--four pedestrians, two bicyclists*, two motorcyclists, with the remaining  four being motor vehicle fatalities.  These twelve people who will never return home all because of poor choices on someone’s part.  Why the spike in fatalities--last January there were 4 fatalities, 8 less than this year?  Why are vulnerable road users disproportionately represented?  

As BWL's Dan Moser said in today's News-Press story, "We have become a society of drivers who drive however we want.  It's a lot of bad decisions made by a lot of people....it's up to drivers to change the culture of aggressive driving and speeding..drivers need to be more aware of pedestrians and bicyclists...they're the ones driving the killing machine."

Below are links to news stories over the past 2 weeks about fatalities on our roadways and related safety issues, with overview of all 12 fatalities in 2/3 News-Press story:

2/3 News-Press:  Lee County traffic: One month, 12 deaths.
Article includes interviews with BWL's Dan Moser, Jay Anderson SAJD, and Debbie Tower FDOT, with strong message for road users, esp. drivers.  Includes list and info on all 12 fatalities (*Note: it is our understanding that the 12th fatality in the Cape still under investigation is a cyclist so it's been included in our totals that way, although not official yet.)
 

Always wear your helmet...from Secretary LaHood

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• 1/29:  Recent tragedy puts spotlight on use of bicycle helmets
 

• 1.30:  Dan Moser Column: Wear your bike helmet — it works
 
• 1/22:  Cape Coral city manager expresses condolences for bicyclist killed during Tour de Cap
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• 1/21:  Cape Coral man dies during bicycling event
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• 1/30:  Great to see strategic enforcement of crosswalk laws in Bonita Springs--great way to educate the public. Now, if we could get other jurisdictions to try this!
• Crosswalk Operation in Bonita Springs

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2/5:   In-depth article about efforts underway in FMB to calm traffic and make it safer for pedestrians.

Cross at your own risk on Fort Myers Beach

1/29: The first of many changes is being made on Fort Myers Beach in order to make it safer for pedestrians.

•  1/31:  Lengthy story in today's NP about 2 recent pedestrian fatalities.
• Pedestrian dies after being hit by Jeep

·    1/30:  NDN editorial in support of keeping red light cameras in Collier County--data shows they improve safety.

Editorial: Commission should stop plan to remove cameras

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•  1/31:  Yet another cyclist seriously injured in Lee County--in Bonita Springs:
• Bonita Springs crash sends bicyclist to hospital

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• 1/29: Tragic news! Two elderly pedestrians hit in crosswalk on Fort Myers Beach yesterday evening, one dead and one critically injured. Driver cited.

• Fort Myers Beach pedestrian death
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•  1/28:  There are have several deadly crashes on this curve on McGregor. Are there ways to make it safer?
• Changes wanted at dangerous McGregor curve

1/23: Bicyclist taken to hospital after accident; southbound U.S. 41 blocked in Fort Myers

 1/21:Teen struck by vehicle near Island Coast High School remains in critical condition

       1/18: Cape high school student hit by truck while crossing street to school this morning.

Student hit by truck at Island Coast HS

1/17:  fatal motorcycle crash in Lehigh this morning.

Speed, alcohol a factor in crash that killed Lehigh Acres motorcyclist, injured another

2/2:  Cyclist seriously injured in Naples gets ticket for failing to be in crosswalk! 

2/2: Yet another instance where criminal charges not brought in cyclist fatality case.   FHP: No criminal charges in fatal East Naples hit-and-run investigation

1/26:  Lawsuit filed in hit and run death of Naples cyclist in Sept., and likelihood of distracted driving by truck driver.

Lawsuit targets Oakes Farms, truck driver for responsibility in hit-and-run death

1/25:  Naples officer hit pedestrian in crosswalk!

• Naples officer under investigation for striking pedestrian