Dunedin, FL — Residents Ask for Help to Curb Speeding Drivers in Neighborhood

Dunedin, FL (February 17th, 2025) – Residents of the Fairway Estates neighborhood in Dunedin have expressed concerns that speeding drivers in the area may eventually cause an accident that results in serious injuries or death. 

In the area of Fairway and Middlecoff drives, there are no sidewalks, and neighbors say drivers often exceed the roads’ 25 mph speed limit. Residents worry that, more than just missing stop signs, speeding vehicles may hit people out walking, children playing, or even neighbors checking the mail. The Fairway Estates neighborhood is not the only to face issues with speeding drivers. In 2022, more than 12,000 people were killed in speeding-related car accidents.

How Speeding Drivers Put Neighborhood Safety at Risk

Neighbors in the Fairway Estates community are increasingly concerned about the dangerous speeds at which drivers travel on their streets. What was once a quiet and safe neighborhood is now plagued by speeding vehicles, putting residents, especially children, at risk. The issue has become so severe that residents are actively seeking help from local authorities to implement measures to curb this reckless behavior before a serious accident occurs.

The Dangers of Excessive Speed

Speeding dramatically increases the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries when collisions do occur. Drivers exceeding posted speed limits have less time to react to unexpected situations, such as a child running into the street or a car suddenly braking. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the greater the force of impact, leading to more devastating injuries and, in some cases, fatal outcomes.

Impact on Children and Pedestrians

Children are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of speeding drivers. They may not have the same judgment as adults when it comes to assessing traffic dangers, and they can be less visible to drivers due to their smaller stature. Speeding drivers significantly reduce the time a driver has to react to a child darting into the street, making a collision far more likely. Similarly, pedestrians of all ages are at an increased risk. Even a minor increase in speed can dramatically reduce the chances of a pedestrian surviving a collision.

Community Voices Concerns About Dangerous Driving Trends

Neighborhood residents are not standing idly by. They are organizing and actively seeking solutions to address the speeding problem. They have contacted local authorities, including the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and city council members, to express their concerns and demand action. Residents hope the city will institute traffic-calming measures, such as increased signage, and sidewalks to help make their streets safer for everyone.

How Local Authorities Are Responding to Speeding Concerns

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the issue and has patrolled the neighborhood before. Deputies have given warnings and tickets to drivers speeding in the area. Despite concerns from area residents, City of Dunedin officials say it is up to law enforcement to address the issue of speeding motorists. 

Legal Options for Victims of Speeding-Related Accidents

Pedestrian accidents caused by speeding drivers can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. In Florida, victims of these accidents have several legal options available to them to seek compensation for their losses. A Clearwater car accident lawyer may help them understand these options, which may include: 

Negligence and Personal Injury Claims

The most common legal avenue pursued in speeding-related pedestrian accidents is a personal injury claim based on negligence. To win a negligence claim, the injured party must prove that the driver had a duty of care to obey traffic laws and drive safely, that the driver breached that duty by speeding, and that this speeding directly caused the accident and the resulting injuries. In Florida, which is a pure comparative negligence state, even if the pedestrian is partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages, though those damages will be reduced proportionally to their degree of fault.

Damages in a Personal Injury Claim

If a personal injury claim is successful, the victim may be entitled to recover various types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

Wrongful Death Claims

If a pedestrian is killed in a speeding-related accident, their family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. These claims seek to compensation the families of decedents for their losses, which may include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of parental guidance, and loss of companionship.

Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating personal injury and wrongful death claims can be challenging, especially while dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of an accident. It is highly recommended that victims of speeding-related pedestrian accidents in Florida consult with an experienced attorney.

At Magazine & Light Law Group, we have advocated on behalf of Floridians like you, injured by the actions or omissions of others, for more than 30 years. Board-certified in personal injury, our lawyer, Jim Magazine, is committed to helping accident victims recover the maximum compensation for their losses. To discuss your options, call our law firm today for a free initial consultation. 727-499-9900.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association