Florida Governor Signs Two New Road Safety Bills

Gov. Rick Scott signed two new road safety bills on Tuesday, June 24; HB 225 and SB 102 focus on child-restraint requirements and hit-and-run penalties.

The hit-and-run bill creates a four-year minimum mandatory sentence for drivers who leave the scene of fatal accidents and require that an offenders drivers license be revoked for three years. The law goes into effect on July 1.

In 2013, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that fatal hit-and-run crashes were actually on the rise. Between 2009 and 2011 the number of fatal crashes increased by 13 percent; it was during this same time period that traffic deaths overall were actually declining.

This new bill could help families who have lost a loved one in a fatal hit-and-run accident get some justice.

On Jan 1, 2015, children up to five years old must be placed in car seats or booster seats when riding in a vehicle. Currently, only children 3 years old and younger are required to ride in child safety seats.

AAA Auto Club South has praised the child safety seat bill as it will help keep children safe and protected on the road.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor vehicles, nearly 200 children under the age of 9 were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2012. More than 50 children under the age of 4 were also injured in auto accidents that year. Using a child safety seat can help decrease the risk of a child being hurt during a crash.

Additionally, if you need assistance with your childs safety seat, visit a local child car seat inspection station to make sure your childs seat is situated correctly. Visit http://www.safercar.gov/ to find a location near you.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident caused by a careless driver or a motorist who fled the scene, contact the car accident lawyers at Gordon & Partners. Our injury attorneys can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Call us at 1 (855) 722-2552 to schedule a free case review or fill out the contact form on this page.