Gulf Boulevard Crosswalks are a Pedestrian Safety Concern

We have written about the issues with pedestrians and crosswalks on Gulf Boulevard a number of times. In spite of efforts to improve pedestrian safety on the Boulevard, problems continue.

Dr. Delay, Lorrie Lykins, in the Tampa Bay Times points out that drivers either ignore the flashing amber lights that pedestrians activate when attempting to cross, or they slow down but keep moving. It is apparently unclear to drivers what is expected of them when the lights are flashing. (They are supposed to stop and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.) Lykins proposed that the DOT install signs to instruct drivers to prepare to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalks, to eliminate this kind of uncertainty. Signs of this sort have been used on Park Boulevard near the Wagon Wheel Flea Market.

The DOT has allocated $50,000 for pedestrian safety improvements to Gulf Boulevard. DOT officials state that it requires implementation of the three e’s—education, engineering, and enforcement—to achieve a successful safety campaign in any given area.

Gulf Boulevard, with its long history of pedestrian safety issues, is a good place to implement this combination of elements. The signs Dr. Delay proposes may help educate drivers as to the purpose of the lights and eliminate confusion, which should improve safety for walkers in this busy area.

If you were hit by a car and injured while walking in the Gulf Boulevard area or anywhere in Florida, you may have questions about how to make a claim for compensation.  Jim Dodson, a pedestrian accident lawyer for the Pinellas County beach area and elsewhere in Florida, will be happy to provide you with the information you need.  Call him at 727-446-0840 or send him a private email at jim@jimdodsonlaw.com. Or as a first step, you will benefit from reading Jim’s free consumer guide, Florida Pedestrian Accident Guide.

We represent personal injury and accident victims in Florida in these cities: Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores,Treasure Island, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Crystal Beach, Ozona, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Kenneth City, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Dade City, Sebring, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other cities in Florida and Florida Counties.