In some of Florida’s beaches, as well as others in coastal states around the country, visitors are legally permitted to drive and park right on the sand. However, a fun beach activity for drivers could be a dangerous risk for swimmers and sunbathers.
A report from CBS News highlighted the dangers that beach drivers present. Although incidents are not very common, recent instances — including “at least three accidents this year on Florida’s Amelia Island” — have raised questions about the safety of the activity. People who oppose the allowance of cars on Florida’s beaches support the enforcement of stricter regulations, or the complete banning of the practice.
Beach Driving Regulations in Florida
Only certain beaches allow drivers to bring their vehicles beyond the roads and up to the shoreline. In Florida, beaches that permit driving include the beaches of Amelia Island, Daytona Beach, Huguenot Memorial Park in Jacksonville, New Smyrna Beach, and St. Augustine Beach.
Although driving is allowed at these locations, doing so is not an “anything goes” venture where drivers are free to roam about the dunes. Most drive-on beaches have regulations in place that limit permissions. Some only allow parking, as opposed to actually driving on the sand. Other beaches limit driving only to cars with four-wheel drive, or to drivers who have a special license or pay a fee to drive on the beach. In some locales, driving is restricted only to certain areas of the beach.
All people who drive on the beach are expected to follow safety measures, such as maintaining a reasonable speed and being observant of pedestrians and other vehicles. If you were injured by a person who failed to follow these safe beach driving rules, or were involved in any vehicle accident, schedule a free consultation with Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A. to discuss your case.
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