The Indian Rocks Causeway Bridge is what we wanted in terms of safety. Runners and walkers have their own path that is safe from bicycles and cars. Bicyclists have clearly marked and ample lanes with which to traverse the bridge. Cars have wider lanes with good visibility. What could go wrong. Last night, we found out. A 17-year-old girl died riding her bike on the Causeway after being struck by a 69-year-old impaired driver. There are just some things for which you can't account. A … [Read more...]
Sarasota Sheriff Believes New Texting While Driving Law is Unenforceable
When Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill that made it a primary offense to text while driving, most people lauded the action. The dangers with texting and driving have received a great deal of publicity and rightly so, texting or any other activity with a mobile device while driving amounts to distracted driving and has caused numerous car accidents and needless fatalities. However, Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight doesn't agree. He believe the new law is essentially … [Read more...]
Florida Legislature Approves Stricter Texting While Driving Bill
After years of wrangling, the Florida Legislature sent a stricter bill to Gov. DeSantis for signature. If Governor DeSantis signs the bill, it will take effect on July 1, 2019. The bill affects Florida drivers in two significant ways: 1)texting while driving becomes a primary offense which means a police officer can stop a vehicle once the officer spots a driver using a mobile device to text, email or chat. Hands free use of a cell phone remains legal. 2)It more broadly bans any use of a … [Read more...]
Mother of 1-Year-Old Killed in Car Crash Gets Prison and She Wasn’t Driving
Brittany Stephens, a passenger in the vehicle hit by a speeding off-duty cop, has been sentenced to prison for negligent homicide. Stephens 1-year-old was killed in the crash. The cop was driving 94 mph, 44 mph above the speed limit. He was also charged with negligent homicide. Christopher Manuel, already released on a $15,000 bond, is on paid administrative leave, according to WBRZ. The Baton Rouge Police Department said it is still looking into the crash. The mother was a passenger in … [Read more...]
Pedestrians Killed on Pinellas County Roads
In the midst of our annual Spring Break onslaught of tourists, pedestrian fatalities are on the rise in Pinellas County. The combination of heavy traffic, tourists who don't know the roads, and a general lack of pedestrian lanes that are safe and well lit has contributed to this situation. Tampa Bay area law enforcement officials are fuming after yet another pedestrian death. The driver, 57-year-old Glenn Walker, tells Pinellas Park Police Officers he didn’t see the pedestrian, 71-year-old … [Read more...]
