North Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

A bicyclist suffered serious injuries after being struck by an automobile in Jacksonville, Florida. According to officials, Appalonia Nelson, 20-years-old, was crossing Mayport Road close to Mayport Middle School when she was hit by a car. The police said she sustained life-threatening injuries and was flown to Shands Jacksonville Medical Center for treatment; she was in critical condition but then upgraded to serious condition.

The principal at Mayport Middle School, Katrina McCray, said Nelson was once her student and currently works with her at the school. McCray spoke highly of Nelson, and said that she was a quiet, sweet and overall a good person. McCray said she felt like it was one of her own children that were injured, and everyone at Mayport Middle School has been praying for Nelson.

Many residents of Jacksonville, Neptune and Atlantic Beach ride bicycles as their main form of transportation or for fun. Resident Donny King said that you do not need a vehicle when you live out at the beach. However, King acknowledged that riding a bike in the area can be dangerous. King is careful to watch the road when he rides his bicycle. Resident Romona Offer said that a lot of people who live in Atlantic Beach know they are allowed to ride their bicycle on the sidewalks and not all cities allow that. Offer was also hit by a vehicle several years ago while riding her bicycle in Atlantic Beach. For more information on this topic, see Bicyclist, 20, Hit Crossing Mayport Road.

Pursuant to Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles, Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control, Section 316.081 - Driving on Right Side of Roadway; Exceptions, all Florida vehicles must be driven on the right half of Florida roadways.

The following are exceptions to the rule: A car does not have to be on the right half of the roadway:

1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
2. When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway. Any person doing so shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction.
3. When driving upon a roadway divided into 3 marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or
4. When traveling upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.

- Any vehicle traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. F.S. sec. 316.081(2).

- Upon any roadway having 4 or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the centerline of the roadway. Exception(s): When authorized by official traffic control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to travel in such lanes. F.S. sec. 316.081(3).

Pursuant to Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles, Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control, Section 316.027 - Crash Involving Death or Personal Injuries, the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash, whether occurring on public or private property, that results in injury of any person has a duty to stop his or her vehicle immediately at the scene of the crash, or as close thereto as possible. Also, the driver of the vehicle has a duty to remain at the crash site until he or she has fulfilled the requirements set out in section 316.062, Florida Statutes. Any driver who willfully violates the provisions of sec. 316.027 commits a third-degree felony.

The following is a list of information driver's involved in crashes that result in death or personal injuries are required to give pursuant to sec. 316.062:

- The driver's name
- The driver's address
- The registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving
- Upon request and if available, the driver shall exhibit his or her license or pert to drive, to any person injured in such crash or to the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle or other property damaged in the crash. Licenses or permits shall also be given to police officers at the scene or officers who are investigating the crash.

When a flashing red signal is illuminated, Florida drivers have a to stop at a clearly marked stop line. If no stop line exists, drivers must stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, then drivers must stop at the point nearest the intersection roadway before entering the intersection. The right to proceed through the intersection is subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign. Florida Statute section 316.076 - Flashing Signals. However, this provision of sec. 316.076 does not apply at railroad-highway grade crossings; the conduct of drivers approaching such crossings is governed by sections 316.1575 and 316.159 of Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control. A violation of the provisions of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation.

Basically, a flashing red light means the same thing as a stop sign. A flashing red light is used at ALL dangerous intersections.

Traffic signals are places at intersections to keep traffic moving and to avoid crashes. Florida drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists must obey these signals, except when an officer is directing traffic. If a traffic signal appears to be out of order, treat the traffic light as it if were a four-way stop sign.

When a flashing yellow signal is illuminated, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past such signal only with caution. Florida Statute section 316.076 - Flashing Signals. However, this provision of sec. 316.076 does not apply at railroad-highway grade crossings; the conduct of drivers approaching such crossings is governed by sections 316.1575 and 316.159 of Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control. A violation of the provisions of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation.

Basically, a flashing yellow light means a driver may proceed forward with caution. Flashing, yellow signals are used at, or just before, dangerous intersection, or to alert drivers to a warning sign such as a school crossing or sharp curve.

Traffic signals are places at intersections to keep traffic moving and to avoid crashes. Florida drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists must obey these signals, except when an officer is directing traffic. If a traffic signal appears to be out of order, treat the traffic light as it if were a four-way stop sign.

Pursuant to Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles, Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control, Section 316.071 - Disabled Vehicles Obstructing Traffic, a driver of a vehicle has a duty to keep his or her disabled vehicle from obstructing the flow of traffic. Whenever a driver's vehicle becomes disabled on any Florida street or highway and obstructs the regular flow of traffic, the driver must move the vehicle so as not to obstruct the regular flow of traffic. If the driver cannot move the vehicle alone, the driver must solicit help and move the vehicle so as not to obstruct the regular flow of traffic. Drivers who do not follow the provisions of this statute will be cited for a nonmoving traffic violation.

Maintaining the regular flow of traffic is beneficial to all drivers, passengers and pedestrians on Florida roadways. If your car suddenly becomes disabled it is for your safety and the safety of your passengers to remove the car from the roadway as soon as possible. This is especially true if your car is disabled on a highway or interstate where the speed limit is relatively high. On these faster Florida roadways, cars will not be able to stop as quickly or have a lot of time to see your vehicle in or to avoid being struck.

Pursuant to Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles, Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control, Section 316.073 - Applicability to Animals and Animal-Drawn Vehicles, all Florida drivers of an animal-drawn vehicle upon a Florida roadway are subject to the provisions of Chapter 316 applicable to drivers of standard vehicles, except those provisions which by there nature can have no applications. Also, all the provisions of Chapter 316 applicable to pedestrians, except sec. 316.130(3), apply to any person riding or leading an animal upon a roadway or shoulder thereof.

An "animal-drawn vehicle" is typically a mechanized piece of equipment pulled by one animal or a team of animals.

Basically, this section of Florida Statutes, considers an animal-drawn vehicle like a standard vehicle. Therefore, any person who is operating an animal-drawn vehicle must follow the traffic laws as if they were the driver of a regularly operated, motorized vehicle. (NOTE: "Vehicle" is defined as every device, in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.).

Pursuant to Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles, Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control, Section 316.075 - Traffic Control Signal Devices, the standard green, red and yellow lights shall indicate and apply to both drivers and pedestrians.

Green Circular Light. Traffic facing a green circular light may proceed through the light or turn right of left with caution, unless a sign a such traffic signal prohibits either such turn. Vehicular traffic turning right or left shall always yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at any time a green circular signal is shown.

Green arrow light. Traffic facing a green arrow signal, whether shown alone or in combination with another traffic signal, may enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by such green arrow with caution, or such other movement as is allowed by other indications shown. A driver of any vehicle may make a U-turn, unless such movement is prohibited by posted traffic control signs. Such vehicular traffic must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

Pedestrians, if facing any green signal, expect when the sole green signal is a turn arrow, may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Two-year-old Bryce Bostick drowned in his family’s pool in the 6300 block of Regiment Drive. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Report, the boy’s older brother went to look for him and found Bryce floating face down in the family’s pool. His brother, a neighbor and the first responding police officer performed CPR before Jacksonville Fire and Rescue arrived and took over.

An adult relative of the family was watching the six to eight children that were in the home at the time of the drowning. Bryce’s parents were at work, said the police report. The two-year-old was inside the house in a bedroom with another brother. The relative left to use a bathroom and when he returned, Bryce had disappeared. The family told police officers that he was only missing for three or four minutes before they went to look for him.

The child gained access to the pool through a back door leading to the back porch. The report said the porch was secured by a small latch leading to the backyard. The report also said that the above ground pool was 25 yards from the door. In 2000, the Florida State Legislature passed home safety regulations for pools in response to accidental drowning as the leading cause of death for young children. For more information on this topic, see Toddler who drowned in Arlington pool identified.

Two children were struck by a car while walking to summer school in Baker County, Florida. Kristen Connell, 12-years-old, and her younger brother Sean, 11 years-old, were struck by a Ford Focus as they crossed the street of Highway 121. The driver of the vehicle, 29-year-old Tara Nunley was on her way to work at the Department of Corrections. Both the Florida Highway Patrol and Baker County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating the accident and have not filed any charges.

Both children were critically injured from the pedestrian-automobile accident. Kristen was taken to Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital for evaluation and treatment of a fractured leg. Sean was airlifted to Shands Jacksonville Medical Center where he sadly died from his injuries, said the Florida Highway Patrol.

The children’s mother, Angelina Connell learned of the accident from her neighbor who started yelling for her to come outside. She told a news reporter that her son would likely still be alive if there was a crossing guard or a school bus on the Baker County Road. Connell said that she had been worried about her children crossing the road because there is no crossing guard during the summer time. The children were not permitted to ride the school bus because their residence is within two miles from Baker Middle School. Connell said that she will remember her son as a smiling, loving and caring child who always thought of everyone else before himself. For more information, see Mother Mourns Boy Killed By Car.

Pursuant to Title XXIII - Motor Vehicles, Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control, Section 316.075 - Traffic Control Signal Devices, a standing yellow lights serves as a warning to vehicular traffic that the green movement is terminated and a red indication will soon exhibited, in order to show that thereafter the vehicular traffic facing the traffic light shall not enter the intersection. As for pedestrians, a steady yellow signal shall indicate to them that there is insufficient time to cross the roadway before a red signal is shown and no pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway.

All Florida drivers and pedestrians shall comply with traffic signals. A yellow light serves as a warning to vehicular traffic and pedestrians that a red, or "stop," signal is soon approaching. Drivers should not treat this warning as an excuse to speed up and fly through an intersection. Pedestrians shall do the same and not attempt to run across a crosswalk when a yellow signal is showing. Complying with traffic signals ensures safer Florida roadways for both drivers and pedestrians.

In a new study involving automobile accidents and teen drivers, 68 percent of teens said that they have narrowly avoided a crash, and more than half said they have had more than one close call in the past year. Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) surveyed more than 2,000 students in 28 high schools for the study. Of the students that said they have had a close call in the last year, 55 percent blamed other drivers or bad weather, yet when they were asked what they were doing at the time of the near accident, 30 percent said they were speeding, 21 percent said they were texting and 20 percent said they were conversing with other passengers in the car.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens are four times more likely to be involved in an automobile accident than older drivers. The CDC estimated that approximately 2,000 teens were killed in automobile accidents during 2009 and 350,000 were treated for personal injuries.

The Liberty Mutual/SADD study showed that teenagers are more likely to change their driving habits after being involved in a car crash. Only 36 percent said that their habits changed only for a few months, whereas the rest said that they changed their habits permanently. For parents who want to monitor their teens driving behavior, smart phone applications such as iGuardianTeen and Speedbump are available. In addition, navigation devices such as MobileTeen GPS are also available. For more information on this topic, see Most teen drivers admit to narrowly avoiding an accident.

The most common type of driving citation issued is for Florida automobile accidents is careless driving. This type of citation is often issued in rear- ended collisions. However, sometimes this type of citation is issued in other circumstances when an accident is not involved. Florida statute 316.1925 defines careless driving as the following:

“Any person operating a vehicle upon the streets or highways within the state shall drive the same in a careful and prudent manner, having regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and all other attendant circumstances, so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. Failure to drive in such manner shall constitute careless driving and a violation of this section.”

Careless driving is a less serious charge than reckless driving. Careless driving is often associated with an accident if you fail to account for road conditions, or became of radio or cell phone distractions. Also, people may be cited for erratic lane changes. Although careless driving ticket can often be costly and impact your right to drive, a reckless driving charge is much more severe. A reckless driving charge can lead to license suspension, heavier fines and can ultimately result in a criminal record. Reckless driving is often cited for aggressive driving, road rage, road racing, and automobile accidents that result in serious personal injuries. For more information on careless driving, see Florida Statute 316.1925.

According to Florida Statute 316.183 Unlawful Speed, “No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.”

Federal statistics prove that speed is a contributing factor in one out of every three fatal car accidents. Speed can reduce a driver’s ability to steer safely around objects or curves in the road, and it extends the distance needed to stop a vehicle in the event of an emergency.

In addition, the severity of an automobile accident increases with speed. The effectiveness of safety restraint devices such as safety bags and seatbelts decrease as the speed increases. Government statistics show that the probability of death, disfigurement or serious personal injury doubles for every 10 miles per hour over 50 miles per hour.

Here are a few speed facts to keep in mind:

• 60 percent of all speed-related fatalities occur on rural roads.
• 60 percent of all speed-related crashes occur between the hours of six p.m. and six a.m.
• Two of every three speed-related crashes involve only one vehicle.
• Drivers involved in speed-related accidents are more likely to have a history of traffic violations.
• 1,000 Americans are killed every month in speed-related accidents.

Many drivers do not realize the dangers of speeding. However, the facts do not lie. Driving at an unlawful speed can kill you. For more information, see Florida Statute 316.183.

Speeding is the cause of many automobile accidents. Florida drivers are given speeding citations more than any other traffic citations. In order to avoid traffic citations, as well as accidents and injuries, drivers should obey all speed limits.

The maximum speed limits on all streets or highways for vehicles must be 30 miles per hour in business or residence districts and 55 mile per hour at other locations. However, a county or municipality may set a maximum speed limit of 20 or 25 miles per hour for a residential district. The minimum speed limit for highways that are a part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and have not fewer than four lanes is 40 miles per hour. But when the posted speed limit is 70 miles per hour, the minimum speed limit is 50 miles per hour.

Established speed limits show the maximum speed that a driver may driver under good conditions. Florida drivers have a responsibility to adjust their driving speed to meet present conditions. For example, if the weather is bad or there is heavy traffic congestion, a driver should reduce their speed below the speed limit. The appropriate speed is a safe speed that allows a driver to have complete control over their vehicle. For more information, see Florida Statute 316.183.

Florida Statute Section 316.192 defines reckless driving as anyone who drives a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. In addition, any person that flees a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle has committed reckless driving “per se”.

The consequences of a reckless driving conviction vary on the level of offense.
• First Offense: the minimum fine for reckless driving is $25 and the maximum is $500. Any person convicted of reckless driving shall not be sentenced for a period exceeding 90 days in jail.
•Second or Subsequent Offense: the minimum fine for a second offense of reckless driving is $50 and the maximum is $1,000.

There are even harsher penalties if the driver damaged property or a person. This then is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree. Causing serious bodily injury to another while recklessly driving is considered a felony of the third degree.

In addition, if the court has reasonable cause to believe that the use of alcohol, chemical substance or controlled substance contributed to the reckless driving then the court may order the person to complete a DUI program substance abuse education course and evaluation. For more information on this topic, see Florida Statute 316.192.

Florida’s river waterways provide residents and tourists with plentiful opportunities to submerge themselves. River tubing, swimming and other river activities are ways in which North Florida residents can have fun and cool off on a hot summer day. However, these activities have both inherent risks and dangers, including injury or loss of life. In addition, the dangers of river activities are enhanced when alcohol consumption is involved.

Sadly, L. Jahi James, 22-years-old drowned in the Santa Fe River while drinking and tubing with friends, according to officials. The Gilchrest County Sheriff’s Office said that he was pronounced dead shortly after he was pulled from the river’s bottom. James and at least two of his friends had rented tubes from Ginnie Springs Outdoors, which is a privately owned campground, said Investigator Tracy Taylor.

According to his friends, James drank at least one quarter of a bottle of vodka during the tubing expedition, said deputies. Witnesses said that James appeared to be asleep or passed out on his inner tube when his friends began flipping each other off their inner tubes. James’ friends realized he needed help after he did not surface. It took the friends several dives over approximately three to six minutes to find James on the river bottom, said deputies. They pulled him to the surface and began CPR until help arrived. Thereafter he was pronounced dead by Gilchrist County paramedics. The Sheriff’s Office declared James’ death an accidental drowning, but an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of his death. For more information on this topic, see Man drowns while drinking and tubing.

Wendy Pomerantz, MD, MS, an emergency room physician at Cincinnati Children’s and one of the coordinators for the Comprehensive Children’s Injury Center said that it is important for parents to watch their children closely when children are around water. She said that parents must be cautious anytime there is an accessible standing body of water; ‘Children can drown in even the smallest body of water, including toilets, portable pools, decorative fountains, buckets and bath tubs.’ Although drowning rates have decreased steadily over the past 25 years, drowning continues to be the second leading cause of death for children ages one to 19.

According to U.S. News and World Report’s 2011 Best Children’s Hospitals ranking, the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center ranks third in the nation among all Honor Roll hospitals. Cincinnati Children’s is also a recipient of pediatric research grants from the National Institutes of Health, and is internationally recognized for improving child health. Doctor’s at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center offer their expert advice to ensure that children are safe when they play around water this summer.

Dr. Pomerantz along with the American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following tips on how children can stay safe while playing around water this summer.

• All parents and caregivers should be certified in CPR.
• Never leave children unattended in or near the pool.
• Enroll your child in swimming lessons.
• Keep a phone nearby the pool in case of an emergency.
• Dump the water out of an inflatable pool after each use and turn it upside down.
• Install a safety barrier and pool gates around the pool
• Teach children proper pool safety etiquette such as never run, push or jump on others around water.

To read the complete list of safety tips, see Tips To Keep Kids Safe When They Play In And Around Water.

As a result of the seventh area drowning of a child younger than four-years-old, the Volusia County Health Department has started a campaign to spread awareness about pool safety and the dangers of drowning. Alejandro Guzman, two-years-old was found underwater in a hotel pool at the Oceanside Inn, located at: 1909 S. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores. A surveillance video showed that the toddler was underwater for nine minutes before he was noticed.

The Volusia County Health Department has recruited the help form local hotels to spread the message that children need to be supervised at all times around water. A hotel representative agreed to distribute pamphlets about pool safety to local hotels. Stefany Strong, a Health Department spokeswoman, said that the hotels will have the option to distribute the pamphlets with registration forms or put them out on display.

The number of children who have drowned this year has already doubled from last year. The Health Department Chief, Dr. Bonnie Sorensen does not think that people understand how closely they should watch children around the water. ‘They don't realize how silently and quickly a child can sink in the pool and be gone. When they drown, they don't scream and yell for help -- there's not a lot of drama,’ she said.

The chief executive officer of the Hotel & Lodging Association of Volusia County, Bob Davis, is unsure how effective the pamphlets will be, but he thinks that there is a chance they could save a life. For more information on this topic, see Hotels to hand out child pool-safety messages.

In Tampa, Florida, two people riding on a motorcycle were killed during a hit and run accident. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Universal Drive in southern Hillsborough County.

62-year-old Thomas Steven Colson and 69-year-old Galilee Wells Howard were riding on a 2009 Big Dog motorcycle when an oncoming 1998 Buick Park Avenue turned in front of them. Investigators reported that the the driver of the car, 52-year-old Susanne Marie Myers Meyers, was traveling south on U.S. 41 and tried to turn left onto Universal, but crossed the motorcycle’s path. Both Colson and Howard were ejected from the motorcycle during the crash. Neither was wearing a helmet and both sadly died at the scene, according to the FHP (Florida Highway Patrol).

Myers was not injured. She left the scene and drove home to Metro Drive, about a mile from the scene, said the FHP. Authorities are still investigating the crash.

A hit and run, also known as leaving the scene of a crash is a serious criminal offense under Florida law. As such, it carries serious criminal punishments including: large fines, possible jail or prison time, revocation or suspension of your Florida driver’s license, and an increase in auto insurance premiums for years to come. Florida law addresses the criminal offense of leaving the scene of a crash differently under statutes depending on whether another occupied vehicle was involved, the extent of the property damage and whether any personal injury or serious bodily injury was caused.

When there is a death involved in a Florida Automobile / Motorcycle Accident, the Florida Highway Patrol and / or local law enforcement conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause and preventability of the accident. In addition to the police investigation, a victim and / or driver involved in an automobile / motorcycle accident can also retain a private attorney, investigator, and engineer to conduct an independent investigation into the cause and preventability of the accident.

For more information on this topic, see 2 killed in hit-and-run motorcycle crash.

A new study suggests that even one single glass of wine or beer can raise blood-alcohol concentrations enough to increase the risk of an automobile accident. The study was published in the journal Addiction, and researchers analyzed national data on fatal automobile accidents during 1994 and 2008. If the study is accurate, it means that there is a greater chance for an automobile accident in Jacksonville Florida and surrounding North Florida areas when a driver gets behind the wheel after consuming an alcoholic beverage.

According to the study, no amount of alcohol was safe for driving. The investigators found that even with minimal amounts of alcohol in a driver’s blood, there were 4.33 serious injuries for every non-serious injury compared to 3.17 serious injuries for sober drivers. The author of the study, David Phillips, a sociologist at the University of California, San Diego, said that ‘accidents are 36.6 percent more severe even when alcohol was barely detectable in a driver’s blood.’

The researchers found three factors that help explain their findings. Philips said that “buzzed” drivers were more likely to speed, improperly wear their seat belts and drive the striking vehicle. In addition, the researchers found a relationship between the driver’s alcohol consumption and the above factors. For example, the greater the driver’s blood-alcohol concentration, the greater the average speed of their vehicle and the more severe the resulting accident.

The authors of the study said that the new findings should encourage U.S. law makers to enact stricter laws against driving under the influence. For more information on this study see, Study: Even one Glass of Beer, Wine Boosts Car Crash Risk.

Two men sustained life threatening injuries when they were ejected during a pickup truck accident in Gainesville, Florida. According to the police, the accident happened near the intersection of Northwest County Road 231 and State Road 121. Lieutenant Mike Schibuola said that the driver, Richard Wills, 38, and his passenger Justin Mantz, 24, became airborne after their vehicle went off the side of CR 231 and hit a culvert. Wills and Mantz were ejected as the truck rolled over, said Lt. Schibuola. The Gainesville Police Department said both men were taken in critical condition to Shands at the University of Florida. Neither man was wearing a seat belt, according to Lt. Schibuola.

The primary purpose of a seat belt is to increase the chances of survival of yourself and others in the car in the event of an automobile accident on highways, expressways or local roads. Florida law is very specific about how passengers should wear a seat belt. Regardless of age, all front seat passengers always wear a seat belt. In addition, all passengers under 18 years old must wear a seat belt or otherwise be restrained by a child car seat. This law applies to all cars, pickup trucks and vans operated on Florida's roads.

For more information on this topic, see Two men ejected from pickup truck in crash.

The consequences of underage drinking and illegal drug use will virtually affect all college campuses, communities and students whether they partake in the illegal activities or not.

In Fernandina Beach (Nassau County), Florida, four people were arrested in connection with a house party where a University of Alabama football player, Aaron Douglas, was found dead. The Fernandina Beach Police Department said that the four residents of the house were charged with allowing an open house party where at least 16 people younger than 21 drank alcohol or used drugs.

The body of twenty one-year-old Douglas, offensive lineman, was found on the home’s balcony. He was vacationing in Fernandina Beach and had gone to the home after being invited to a party. The Nassau County medical examiner’s report found that Douglas died from the drugs found in his system. The residents charged with allowing an open house party were Neal Clements, 22; Nathanial Flanders, 21; Daniel Stouter, 24; and Dana Luberto, 23. Of course, each Defendant will be entitled to legal representation by a Florida Public Defender and / or by a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney.

Under Florida law, it is illegal to allow an open house party to take place if any alcoholic beverage or illegal drug is possessed or consumed by a minor. Any person having control of the residence should take reasonable steps to prevent the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs. Any person found in violation of Florida Statute, 856.015 Open House Parties- commits a misdemeanor of the second degree.

For more information on this topic, see 4 charged for house party linked to Alabama football player's death.

Summer is the time of year when many families travel for vacation especially to Florida destinations like Daytona Beach, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Unfortunately, safety measures such as pool fences and alarms are not always available to protect children when staying at a vacation home or hotel.

In Volusia County a two-year-old child tragically drowned at a hotel swimming pool over the holiday weekend. The child was part of an extended group spending the holiday at the Oceanside Inn in Daytona Beach Shores. According to news reports, the parents were on the beach at the time of the incident, and the child was in the care of another relative. Daytona Beach paramedics tried to revive the child after he spent nine minutes underwater, but he could not be saved. Witnesses said that the rescuers did everything they could.

Since parents cannot install fences or pool alarms on a hotel pool, communication and supervision are the most important tools to protect your child from drowning in a hotel pool. Vacations often involve many daily activities, which mean it is easy to get distracted throughout the day. Parents should confirm with each other and other family members who will be responsible for watching the child throughout the day. It is also important to remember that whether or not there is a lifeguard on duty at the hotel pool, they cannot watch your child at every moment; drowning can be quick and quiet. For more information on this topic, see 2-Year-Old Drowns In Volusia Hotel Pool.

The book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills and Treatment, and Water Park and Swimming Pool Related Injuries and Drownings. You can receive a Free Book Regarding Frequently Asked Child Injury Questions.

Statistics and current events prove that the idle months of summer pose the highest risk of danger to North Florida children’s safety. Drowning and gun accidents are on the top of the list for fatal threats. Fortunately, both instances are preventable and education is the key.

According to the Florida Department of Health, Florida reported the highest number of drownings for children under the age of 5 than any other state in the United States. Recent headlines demonstrate this danger; four children nearly drowned in pools from June 16-21 in Palm Beach County. As such, it is a responsible question to ask- Is your child protected from drowning? In order to prevent your child from drowning, take your child to swimming lessons and be vigilant about securing access to any water.

Firearm injures account for the second leading cause of death for children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For example, firearm accidents in Palm Beach County alone claim an average of one child’s life a month. In every instance of firearm-related deaths, vulnerable children found access to a loaded weapon that was not properly secured. Officials say that the summer months pose the most danger. West Palm Beach police, the Palm Beach County’s Sheriff’s Office, the Palm Beach County Children Services Council, pediatric physicians and others recently teamed up to encourage parents to keep their firearms in a secure location.

Summer should be a fun and safe time for your children. Jacksonville, Orlando and other Florida parents should educate themselves about pool and firearm safety so they can prevent their children from any unnecessary harm. For more information on this topic, see Summer is peak season for child dangers, so parents beware.

A North Dakota native died as a result of an automobile accident in Baker County. Paul VanNess, 47, of Sykeston, North Dakota, was in Baker County to attend his father’s funeral the previous day. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the accident occurred at the intersection of US 90 and CR 23A (Lowder) in west Macclenny. VanNess, was a passenger in the 2004 Chevrolet Impala driven by his mother, 74-year-old Carolyn P. VanNess of Macclenny. They were traveling northbound on Lowder through the intersection when a westbound truck failed to stop at a red light and struck the passenger side of the car, according to the FHP. The driver of the truck was 34-year-old Amos Smith of Jacksonville. Carolyn VanNess sustained serious injuries and was taken to Shands Jacksonville for treatment.

The purpose of red lights is to help ease the flow of traffic. As our country’s population grows, so does the amount of red lights at intersections. Unfortunately, red lights do not ease traffic jams for those drivers who are “in a hurry”; this often cited excuse for running red lights is a common factor in automobile accidents. In addition, another group of red light runners are those drivers that are inattentive or distracted. For more information on this topic, see man killed in Baker County accident.

Good Samaritan James Michael Ledford, 34, was tragically killed as a result of a hit- and- run automobile / pedestrian accident. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Ledford was riding in a pickup truck on State Road 415, south of Osteen when a motorcycle crossed the centerline and crashed into his vehicle. After the initial crash, Ledford quickly got out of his vehicle to check on the motorcyclist trapped under the truck, who later died. Ledford was then struck by a fast approaching vehicle that swerved to miss the truck but hit him instead. The driver of the vehicle did not stop, and left Ledford behind with severe injuries.

Ledford knew he was severely injured but managed to call his mother, Bernice Mims, and tell her that he had been run over. The man’s sister, Aleeca Ledford, said the call was gut- wrenching. Ledford sadly died at Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford. His father was also killed in a motorcycle accident years ago in Indiana.

The (FHP) said they have no information about the vehicle that hit Ledford. Sergeant Kim Montes of the FHP said that often pieces of a hit-and-run vehicle are found at the scene, but in this case there was nothing. This is likely because Ledford was low in the roadway when he was struck, according to Montes. She said that their best hope in solving the hit-and-run is for a passenger in the fleeing vehicle to come forward with information. For more on this topic, see who ran over, killed Sanford man helping dying biker?

Florida Statute 316.027 requires that the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash that results in injury or death of a person must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene or as close as possible. Any person who willfully violates this statute can be subject to a felony in the first degree for an accident resulting in death, and a felony in the third degree for an accident resulting in injuries.

Florida is a popular state for motorcyclists given the year-round sunshine and warm temperatures. Unfortunately, Florida also ranks as one of the deadliest states in regards to fatal motorcycle crashes each year.

In rural eastern Osceola County a motorcyclist died after riding into a trailer pulled by an RV. The 59-year-old deceased man was from DeLand, but his identity was not released because the next-of-kin had not been notified. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the accident occurred on U.S. Highway 192, east of Hibiscus Road. The motorcycle fell over after it struck the rear of the trailer, and the driver was thrown onto the road, said the FHP. The reports said the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. The RV occupants were not injured.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, 413 people died in motorcycle accidents in Florida in 2009. In addition, there were a total of 8,313 motorcycle accidents in Florida in 2009, with 7,435 resulting in injury, according to figures from the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR). While any motorcyclist faces the risk of an accident, the CUTR statistics show that certain populations face more of a risk than others. Listed below are the top five risk groups according to the CUTR findings for 2009.

• Males ages 45-54: 1,465 victims out of 6,803
• Males ages 25-34: 1,338 victims out of 6,803
• Males ages 35-44: 1,242 victims out of 6,803
• Males ages 55-64: 900 victims out of 6,803
• Males ages 21-24: 771 victims out of 6,803

Regardless of what the numbers say, any rider can sustain serious injuries from a Florida motorcycle accident such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or even death. For more information, see motorcyclist strikes rear of trailer, dies on U.S. 192

Three adults and three children were hospitalized after their Jeep utility vehicle flipped multiple times off a highway in Jacksonville. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the accident occurred when the driver of the vehicle, Patrick Gould, was merging from the westbound lanes of Interstate 10 toward the northbound on-ramp on Interstate 295. The FHP said that Gould, 41, lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle hit a tree and rolled over several times before coming to a stop on its roof. Gould and a four-year-old boy sustained serious injuries and were taken to Shands Jacksonville for treatment along with 25-year-old Joseph Henderson, who sustained minor injuries. Other passengers including Shawn Henderson, 28, and two girls ages 6 and 12 sustained minor injuries and were taken to Baptist Medical Center for treatment. At least two of the passengers involved in the accident were not wearing seat belts, said the FHP.

The deadliest risk facing Jacksonville’s SUV, minivan and truck owners is a rollover accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are approximately 280,000 rollover accidents and 10,000 fatalities reported each year. The majority of rollover accidents are directly related to a vehicle’s stability in turns. The stability depends on the correlation between the center of gravity and the track width, which is the distance between the left and right wheels. A vehicle can become unstable during fast turns and a sharp change of direction when there is a high center of gravity and a narrow track. This problem is most common in a four-wheel-drive pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles because they have a higher ground clearance for off-road driving.

For more information on this topic, see Jacksonville 4-year-old critically injured after jeep rolls of interchange of interstates 10 and 295.

Robert T. Lee, 46, was tragically killed in a three-vehicle crash in West Pensacola, Florida. The Florida car crash occurred near the intersection of Gulf Beach Highway and Tifton Avenue. Lee was traveling eastbound on Gulf Beach Highway in his 1982 Volkswagen Beetle. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Lee crossed into the Westbound lane of Gulf Beach Highway and into the path of 64-year-ol Carroll J. More, striking Moore's pickup truck. The contact between the two vehicles spun Lee's Volkswagen counterclockwise, eventually striking a Honda minivan that was also traveling westbound behind the pickup. Moore sustained minor personal injuries, Moore's passenger, 12-year-old Autumn Moore, was not injured. Traci D. High, driver of the minivan, sustained serious personal injuries, High was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital. High's passenger, 4-year-old Maximilian High, suffered minor personal injuries and was also transported to Sacred Heart. David Howe, of Perdido Key, was traveling behind the minivan when the 3-vehicle crash occurred. Howe, a former dive medical technician, told authorities that although he witnessed the crash, he could not tell authorities what exactly happened or who was at fault. Howe attempted to provide medical assistance to Lee before his tragic death. For more details read Man tragically dies in 3-car crash in Pensacola, Florida.

The death of this man is a tragedy for his family and community. Automobile accidents are a leading cause of death among adults and especially among children and teenagers. Florida drivers need to use due care and caution when behind the wheel of an automobile. Drivers should not engage in distracted driving behaviors such as talking or texting on a cell phone, eating, drinking, grooming, listening to loud music and talking with passengers while driving.