Broward Injury Lawyer Blog
Broward County and Miami-Dade continue to be the most dangerous areas in the state for pedestrian injuries and fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
With the beautiful weather year round and the proximity of all of the local hot spots, pedestrians are welcomed on our roadways nearly 365 days a year. Vehicular traffic doesn’t always offer the same welcome to our on-foot friends. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere in the area might see a quick spike as the city recently received approval and funding for the long-awaited Wave Streetcar Project.
According to the Sun Sentinel, the city was recently informed by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) that it will be getting nearly $20 million to fund the launch of the project. Wave Streetcars will provide streetcars for riders to get around the city.
“It’s a pretty exciting development for us,” said John P. “Jack” Seiler, Mayor or Fort Lauderdale.
Our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys understand that U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz spent a number of years trying to get the grant. With this money, streetcars will be permitted in the area to help to get pedestrians through a near 3-mile corridor in the downtown Fort Lauderdale area. Not only is it supposed to help get residents and visitors to where they need to be, but it will also help to create a plethora of jobs both during the construction of the project and well after. It’s also expected to help to lure in nearby residents and tourists to the downtown area. With more visitors, the city is expecting a growth in economic development. Unfortunately, safety officials are also predicting a spike in pedestrian accidents throughout the area.
If more people will be using these cars to get around then we can expect less vehicular traffic. Congestion will be eased significantly, say transportation officials. The current proposed streetcar routes will connect to existing public transportation routes. We hope planners keep pedestrian safety a top priority.
Seiler says that he is thankful that the city of Fort Lauderdale has been presented with this kind of opportunity to launch a project like this in the current economy. He adds that the sooner that it starts, the better.
As of now, the design and the development phases are scheduled to start in 2012. When those plans are completed, transportation officials estimate that construction will wrap up by the end of 2015. Transportation officials are hoping that this system will help to increase connectivity and mobility for everyone in the city, reducing fuel emissions and improving the quality of life for everyone.
Also involved in this project are the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Florida Department of Transportation, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, Broward County, the city of Fort Lauderdale and the DDA.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident in Broward County, contact Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Richard Ansara at 954 761-3641 or 877-277-3780 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your rights.
Additional Resources:
Federal grant to help launch streetcar plans, by Sean D’Oliveria, Sen Sentinel
More Blog Entries:
Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident: One Killed, One Injured, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, May 9, 2012
Car-Skateboard Accident in Taramac Kills 14-Year-Old, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, March 30, 2012
