Florida Leads the Nation in Bicycle Deaths

The State of Florida surpasses the number of bicycle crashes in other states by a wide margin. Studies show that distracted driving potentially plays a major role in motorists crashing into bicyclists, causing serious injuries or death.

Attorney John Leighton, founding partner of Leighton Panoff Law, represents victims of bicycle crashes and their loved ones who have been injured or killed because of an at-fault motorist. Such recent tragedies are one reason why Mr. Leighton is pushing for improved bicycle safety measures.

A recent study conducted by the Risk Institute at Ohio State University suggests that distracted driving is a leading cause of more-severe crashes, which raise the odds of severe injuries or death. This is particularly true when a rear-end collision occurs on a highway or in a work zone.

The study results come shortly after a vehicle plowed into a group of bicyclists on a cycling club ride in Broward County on November 25, 2018. Cyclist Denise Marsh was declared dead shortly after a 33-year-old woman plowed into the back of the group. Cyclist Carlos Rodriguez, 62, died of his injuries two days after the crash. The driver claimed the sun glared in her face and that she was momentarily distracted by something in her car. Police took possession of her phone to examine it.

This tragic story is an important reminder that everyone should push for bicycle safety and
follow these tips to help combat distracted driving:

• Use your cell phone only in an emergency and pull over first
• If you are drowsy, pull off the road and avoid driving
• Do not eat while driving
• Limit the number of passengers and activity inside your vehicle
• Avoid multi-tasking in the car (search for music and send texts before driving)

Following the death of the second victim of the Broward County crash, NBC 6 interviewed Mr. Leighton, who stressed the need for tougher laws.