With stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures, there are far fewer cars on the road. Unfortunately, careless behavior can still cause serious accidents.
On April 4, 2020, for example, both a motorcyclist and a bicyclist were killed after colliding on Bayshore Boulevard. While the police are still investigating the accident, many witnesses reported that the motorcycle was going “way too fast” at the time of the crash.
According to those witnesses, the motorcyclist was “leapfrogging” with 2 other motorcyclists when he sped into a crosswalk, striking a 50-year-old cyclist who was mid-turn.
The motorcyclist died at the scene and the cyclist passed away in the hospital.
Mayor Jane Caster was disappointed by the fatal accident, which is the second deadly collision this year.
She released the following statement:
“Right now, more than ever, we should be looking out for each other and following the law. What happened today is unacceptable… The bottom line is that today another bad decision cost lives.”
5 Deaths in 2 Years
Traffic fatalities at Bayshore Boulevard are not unusual. The April 4 deaths mark the 5th fatality in 4 years on the busy street. About 3 months ago, a drunk driver crashed into the balustrade and killed a 70-year old pedestrian. In May 2018, street racers struck and killed a 24-year-old woman and her 21-month-old daughter.
Tampa Bay residents have formed a group called Take Back Bayshore that calls for landscaping and speed limit changes to protect pedestrians and bicyclists on the busy street. The group says some lanes should be shut down on weekends to allow for outdoor recreation, especially during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“There’s no reason we need six lanes of divided highways for people to go to closed businesses,” a group member explains, “The time is now, five deaths in two years is too many.”
Paulsen Law Group Is Here For You
If you’ve been injured by someone’s negligence in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or bike accident, our legal team can help. Speeding and dangerous driving are never acceptable, but it is especially uncalled for during a global crisis.
For legal assistance, please contact Paulsen Law Group at (888) 352-7180 or online.
For information about Florida’s executive stay-at-home order, please click here. You can also consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information and national COVID-19 guidelines.