FORT MYERS, Fla. — In Florida, there are over 21 million residents and 17 million have their driver's license. With tourists and seasonal residents factored in, southwest Florida roadways are extremely active.
Local law enforcement anticipated a decrease in drivers on the road due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but, despite a slight decrease in April and May, it has been business as usual in the state.
This is why we see so many car accidents on our roadways.
Sot: sgt. Greg bueno, florida highway patrol
"This year, Florida Highway Patrol in this region has responded to 57 fatal crashes," says Lieutenant Gregory Bueno, Florida Highway Patrol.
Bueno says it boils down to drivers not watching the road.
"Its this inattentiveness, its carelessness, its bad habits that lead to potential tragedies," says Bueno.
Jay Anderson, founder of Stay Alive Just Drive, is an advocate for safe driving here in Fort Myers. He believes accidents can be avoided if you ask yourself these questions:
"We should remind ourselves when we’re behind the wheel, #1 ‘Is it necessary?’ and #2 ‘Is it worth the risk?’," says Anderson.
Safe practices while behind the wheel include wearing a seatbelt, driving the speed limit, and never taking your eyes off the road.
"I think if you ask any trooper what the hardest part of our job is, it's notifying the families and knocking on someone's door and saying my goodness it breaks my heart to tell you this but such and such has been involved in a tragic car crash," says Bueno.
