WTSP.com

New state law intended to prevent car-bike crashes

 Elizabeth Gold     3 years ago
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Tallahassee, Florida (AP) — A new state law is intended to prevent car-bike crashes.

The law, which takes effect Sunday requires motorists to keep at least three feet of clearance as they pass bicyclists. Motorists will have to pay a $100-dollar fine if they don't comply with the law.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, there were nearly five-thousand crashes between motorists and cyclists in Florida last year and those are just the reported crashes. It's estimated that the actual number of car-bike crashes is four times higher.

The bicycle safety coordinator with the FDOT says the buffer zone should increase for motorists traveling at higher speeds.

Dennis Scott says drivers on a two-lane road should move into the oncoming lane, or slow down, as they pass a cyclist.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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