Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
October brings cooler weather, fall activities, and Halloween celebrations to Central Florida. It is also National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to remind everyone that staying safe on our roads is a shared responsibility.
On October 1, 2026, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) launched their annual pedestrian safety awareness campaign. Their message is simple: drivers and pedestrians must work together to prevent serious accidents and save lives.
At López & Humphries, P.A., we care about keeping our neighbors safe. Whether you are walking through downtown Lakeland, crossing a busy street in Bartow, or enjoying an evening stroll with your family, knowing how to stay safe around traffic can make all the difference.
Why Is Pedestrian Safety Important in Florida?
Florida’s warm weather makes walking a year-round activity. But sharing the road with cars, trucks, and motorcycles comes with risks.
According to FLHSMV, Florida has seen more than 6,465 pedestrian crashes so far in 2026. These crashes resulted in more than 118 deaths and 6,167 injuries.
These numbers show why pedestrian safety deserves our attention.
Unlike drivers and passengers, pedestrians do not have seat belts, airbags, or the protection of a vehicle. Even a collision at a lower speed can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and lasting disabilities.
In communities across Polk County, including Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Bartow, pedestrians and drivers share busy intersections, shopping areas, school zones, and neighborhood streets.
By following a few important safety rules, everyone can help reduce the risk of a pedestrian accident.
5 Important Pedestrian Safety Tips for Florida Residents
The FLHSMV recommends several simple steps pedestrians can take to protect themselves.
1. Always use sidewalks and crosswalks when possible.
Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic and stay as far from vehicles as possible. This differs from riding a bike, where you should ride with the flow of traffic.
Cross at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever you can. Before stepping into the street, look both ways and watch for turning vehicles.
2. Put your phone away when crossing the street.
Looking at your phone, texting, or wearing headphones can keep you from noticing approaching vehicles.
Stay alert, even when you have the right of way. Never assume a driver sees you.
3. Make yourself visible to drivers.
Florida evenings can be especially dangerous for pedestrians. Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials at night. Carrying a flashlight can also help drivers see you.
4. Be careful around parked vehicles.
Avoid stepping into the street between parked cars. Drivers may not see you until it is too late.
Pay special attention in parking lots, where vehicles may be backing out of spaces.
5. Teach children safe walking habits.
Children may not understand how quickly a vehicle can approach. Teach them to stop at curbs, look in every direction, and wait for a safe time to cross.
Younger children should be supervised by an adult near busy roads.
What Florida Drivers Should Know About Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian safety isn’t just the responsibility of pedestrians. Drivers play a major role in preventing accidents.
According to Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze, the October campaign encourages drivers and pedestrians to stay alert, make safe choices, and help prevent crashes.
Drivers can protect pedestrians by following these safety practices:
- Slow down in neighborhoods and school zones. Children and families may enter the roadway unexpectedly.
- Watch carefully when turning. A pedestrian may be crossing the street even when your traffic light is green.
- Yield at crosswalks as required by law. Be prepared to stop and allow pedestrians to cross safely.
- Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. Someone may be walking in front of that vehicle.
- Use extra caution at night and during heavy rain. Poor visibility can make pedestrians harder to see.
- Check carefully before backing up. Pedestrians, especially young children, can be difficult to spot.
A few seconds of extra attention can prevent a life-changing accident.
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way in Florida?
This is one of the most common questions about Florida pedestrian laws.
The short answer is no. Pedestrians have important legal protections, but they must also follow traffic rules.
Under Florida Statute 316.130, drivers must stop or yield to pedestrians in certain crosswalk situations, depending on traffic signals, signs, and where the pedestrian is crossing.
Pedestrians must also obey traffic signals and generally yield to vehicles when crossing outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
Remember that a crosswalk does not always have painted white lines. Florida recognizes certain unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
Drivers must also use reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians, even when a pedestrian makes a mistake.
Knowing these rules helps everyone make safer decisions.
Halloween Safety: Protecting Trick-or-Treaters in Polk County
As October ends, families throughout Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, and surrounding communities will prepare for Halloween.
With more children walking through neighborhoods after dark, October 31 is an especially important time to focus on pedestrian safety.
Parents can help protect their children by choosing costumes that are easy for drivers to see. Add reflective tape to costumes or candy bags, and give children flashlights or glow sticks.
Make sure costumes fit properly so children do not trip while walking. Masks should not block their view of approaching vehicles.
Remind children to cross at intersections and crosswalks and to avoid running between parked cars.
Drivers should take extra care on Halloween night. Travel slowly through neighborhoods, watch for children near driveways, and avoid distractions.
Remember, an excited child may suddenly run toward a friend or across the street without looking.
Slowing down and staying alert could save a child’s life.
What Should You Do If You Are Hit by a Car While Walking in Florida?
Even careful pedestrians can be hit in an accident.
If you or someone you love is struck by a vehicle, knowing what to do next can help protect your health and your legal rights.
First, seek medical attention. Call 911 if anyone is injured or needs emergency assistance. Some injuries, including head injuries, may not be obvious immediately.
Second, report the accident. A law enforcement report can provide important information about what happened.
Third, document the scene if you can safely do so. Take pictures of the area, nearby traffic signs, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. When possible, collect contact information from witnesses.
Fourth, keep records. Save medical bills, treatment records, and documents showing missed work or other financial losses.
Finally, consider speaking with a pedestrian accident attorney. An attorney can review the accident, explain your rights, and help you understand your options.
Florida law generally allows two years to file a negligence lawsuit for a personal injury, although exceptions and different deadlines may apply. Getting legal guidance early can help preserve important evidence.
Can You Recover Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident in Florida?
If a negligent driver causes a pedestrian accident, the injured person may be able to seek compensation.
Depending on the circumstances, damages may include medical expenses, future medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the injuries.
Florida also follows a modified comparative negligence rule for most negligence cases. This means an injured pedestrian’s compensation may be reduced if they share responsibility for the accident. In cases covered by this rule, a person found more than 50% responsible for their own injuries generally cannot recover damages.
Every accident is different. A pedestrian may still have a valid claim even if an insurance company argues that the pedestrian was partly responsible.
Understanding the facts and applicable Florida laws is key to determining your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Safety in Florida
Do drivers have to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks in Florida?
Florida law requires drivers to stop or yield in specific crosswalk situations. The rules depend on traffic signals, signs, and the pedestrian’s position in the roadway. Drivers should always use caution when approaching someone crossing the street.
What happens if a pedestrian is hit outside a crosswalk?
A pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk may be required to yield to vehicles. However, that does not automatically mean the pedestrian is responsible for an accident. You must also consider the driver’s actions and other circumstances.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Florida?
For most negligence-based personal injury claims arising in 2026, Florida law generally provides a two-year deadline. Exceptions may apply, so seek legal advice promptly.
Making Central Florida Safer, One Step at a Time
National Pedestrian Safety Month is a reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe on Florida’s roads.
Whether you are taking your children to school, walking your dog, driving to work, or enjoying Halloween festivities, small choices can make a big difference.
At López & Humphries, P.A., we encourage our neighbors throughout Polk County and Central Florida to slow down, stay alert, and look out for one another.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? López & Humphries, P.A. Is Here to Help.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, or a surrounding Central Florida community, you do not have to face the aftermath alone.
Attorneys Melodie López and Kevin Humphries bring years of courtroom experience and a commitment to helping injured people protect their rights.
Our team understands how a serious injury can affect your health, your family, and your financial future.
Contact López & Humphries, P.A. at (863) 774-3573 or visit www.lopezandhumphries.com to request a free consultation.
Stay alert. Drive safely. Walk carefully. Together, we can make Central Florida roads safer for everyone.
