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Thursday, February 16, 2012 |
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Monitoring Techniques to Help Reduce Risks of Smoke and Fog-Related Car Accidents in Orlando and Elsewhere |
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As our car accident lawyers previously reported, there was a pileup on Interstate 75 that killed and injured dozens of people. The accident happened after officials reopened the highway due to concerns about fog and smoke. Now, investigators are saying that the stretch of Interstate 75 between Gainesville and Orlando is actually a black hole for drivers.
What they're talking about is the lack of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) that Florida roadways, like Interstate 4, the Beachline and Interstate 95, already have. The ITS system equips the roadways with roughly 500 cameras. The ITS headquarters, located in Orlando, helps to keep an eye out for drivers on those roadways who may need help or may be driving in dangerous conditions. These cameras are used to help stop car accidents in Orlando and elsewhere before they even happen.
Our Orlando car accident attorneys understand that this system is also able to see roadway conditions in the dark and displays warnings on message boards along the roadways. Some officials believe our roadways could be even safer if these cameras were on more roads throughout the state. Officials think the site of the January 29th I-75 accident would have been a perfect spot to install these cameras. This portion of the roadway is in a lower elevation than surrounding areas, which makes it more susceptible for low-lying fog and reduced visibility.
"We're trying to eliminate those surprises with ITS," said Steve Olson, spokesman with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Florida Representative Keith Perry recent proposed legislation to help put up electronic warning sings in deserving areas throughout the state, particularly in the area of the most recent series of crashes.
You may remember the car accident that happened on January 9th of 2008 on Interstate 4, when a significant drop in humidity is reported to have caused a 250-acre fire. The smoke from the fire ended up hindering visibility on the Interstate, drawing motorists into a 70-vehicle pileup. Five people were killed.
Florida Fog-Related Accidents, Enhanced By Smoke:
-Polk County, January 8, 2008: 5 deaths, 38 injuries.
-Putnam County, November 12, 2003: 2 deaths, 7 injuries.
-Flagler County, February 17th, 2006: 1 death, 3 injuries.
-Collier County, December 15, 2006: 1 death, 3 injuries.
-Osceola County, March 3, 2007: 5 deaths, 3 injuries.
-Polk County, February 6, 2001: 1 death, 3 injuries.
-Polk County, May 8, 2001: 1 death, 0 injuries.
These fog and smoke-related traffic accidents are some of the worst the county has seen. Some people suggest satellite images to help predict these dangers, others suggest roadway cameras. Safe driving advocates say a majority of these accidents could be prevented with safer and more cautious driving habits.
Drivers are asked to stay aware of their surroundings while traveling along our Interstates. It's recommended that travelers check out weather reports and Florida's traffic delays and road closures before heading out onto one of our busy, fast-paced roadways.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident in Orlando or elsewhere in the surrounding areas, it's critical for you to recruit assistance from an experienced attorney. Contact Jacobs & Goodman to help you fight for your rights. Call (407) 788-2949 or (800) JACOBS NOW to set up a free and confidential appointment to discuss your case.
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