While Indian River County experienced an uptick in the number of people killed on roadways in 2018, data shows the total number of collisions actually decreased compared to previous years.
Data from Florida’s Integrated Report Exchange System shows there were 1,067 crashes in the county for 2018. This shows a dip from the past two years, which shows a total of 1,728 wrecks in 2017 and 2,360 in 2016.
“It’s really hard to say why the number decreased,” Indian River County sheriff’s spokesman Maj. Eric Flowers said. “(We) don’t want to take credit for reducing those numbers. It could be a variety of things.”
While the overall number of vehicle crashes has gone down, authorities said more people were killed in collisions on Indian River County roadways in 2018 than the last couple of years.
For 2018, there were 32 traffic fatalities in the county, compared to 28 in 2017 and 26 in 2016, data shows. There were 25 pedestrian crashes, with four reported fatalities, 23 bicycle collisions and one fatality involving a bicycle for 2018.
Data for motorcycle crashes was not immediately available.
Flowers said law enforcement made significant progress over the past few years in enforcing penalties for motorists who drive under the influence. Drivers arrested for DUI-related charges can have their vehicle taken away or their licenses revoked.
However, the penalties for distracted driving, the leading cause of crashes in Florida and in the country, are not as harsh, Flowers said. Flowers said laws for disciplining distracted drivers are not where they need to be.
Distracted driving can range from a motorist fumbling with a fast food bag or using the phone in an attempt to text or check social media.
“Texting and driving right now in Florida is a secondary offense, not primary,” said Flowers, meaning that law enforcement can not pull a motorist over simply for driving while distracted. “We hope to get to a point where they have a hands free requirement.”
Flowers said the county has seen serious crashes as a result from motorists who text and drive. Construction for the expansion on Interstate 95 in 2018 has also led to a number of serious crashes.
The most recent crash – where a man was ejected from a vehicle – happened Jan. 14 at Indian River and Royal Palm boulevards in Vero Beach. The two-car collision shut down the roadways for about three hours.
The injured man was taken to a hospital in Fort Pierce and was last listed in stable condition, authorities said. Vero Beach police continue to investigate what caused the crash.
Click the audio icon in the lower right hand corner for sound.
Flowers said the county’s roads and highways see heavy traffic throughout the year. Motorists and pedestrians who witness crashes should try to help out, but at the same time use caution, Flowers said.
For example, a bystander can pull out a passenger in a vehicle that catches fire, if they choose to. But, if a bystander witnesses a crash and sees that a trapped victim has a spinal cord injury, the bystander could make the injury worse by touching the victim, Flowers said.
“If you choose to stop and help, comfort them and let them know you’ve called 911,” Flowers said. “Do not make the situation worse.”
In July 2018, two men used hammers to smash out windows of a sports utility vehicle and cut a seat belt to save a woman who was trapped. The single-vehicle crash happened at 85th Street, just west of U.S. 1, when the woman’s SUV struck a concrete barrier, went airborne and then flipped into a water-filled canal.
“She was screaming ‘help me,'” said 35-year-old Fellsmere resident Mike Burley, who helped save the injured woman. “She was spitting weeds out of her mouth. She was completely submerged other than her head.”
Flowers said motorists should practice defensive driving and pay attention to other vehicles on the roadway. He also said those riding bicycles and motorcycles should wear helmets.
“Every time you get in a car, you’re putting your life at risk,” Flowers said. “Stay focused.”
Photos by Nick Samuel and provided by local law enforcement agencies
