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Number of Fatal Crashes in Lee County has Dropped

In 2008, the number of fatal accidents on Lee County roads declined by more than 30 percent.  Officials believe that high gas prices played a role in the decrease in fatalities.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, there were 70 deaths in Lee County in 2008, which is lower than the 106 deaths in 2007.  The amount of motorists on the roads in Lee County was also about 8 percent lower in 2008, according to Lee County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Sgt. David Petracca of Lee County Sheriff’s Office traffic unit said that the decrease can be attributed to the increase in gas prices.  Gas prices rose up to $4 a gallon during the summer months and stayed almost level for a while before going back down at the end of 2008.

“"When they were up at $3.50 and $4 a gallon, people definitely were driving less," said David Pojero, AAA division manager.

Drivers still seem to be hesitant to spend more time on the roads and highways, even though the gas prices have gone down to under $2 per gallon for regular unleaded.  Pojero believes that there still is a lingering fear.

Gas prices have also played a role in preventing drivers from speeding and driving erratically because they know that this type of driving behavior wastes fuel, said Petracca.

The lower number of traffic fatalities in Lee County has also been attributed to the increase in law enforcement.  In 2007, the sheriff’s office issued 70,436 traffic citations and the total number is expected to be more in 2008, which will be available later in January.

Petracca said that the traffic unit increased patrols in 2008 and focused on areas where residents complained about traffic issues.  He also said that drivers are more inclined to follow traffic laws if they know a deputy could be at the next corner, waiting to ticket them for driving too closely to another vehicle or changing lanes without signaling.

"You're seeing less of the aggressive-type driving," he said, citing personal experience.

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