20-year old Rakan Alnittki of Fort Lauderdale and Sultan Alotaibi also 20, of Plantation were killed the other evening while standing behind their disabled vehicle, a 2006 BMW 330i, on the outside lane on I 95 near Sample Rd., in Fort Lauderdale. The boys were struck by 32- year old Max Citrin, of Oakland Park who was driving a 2014 Mercedes C250. The two young men were pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation of Citirin’s driving record by the Miami Herald found that Citirin has had “seven traffic convictions in the past seven years including a speeding ticket for going 97 mph in a 70 mph zone. According to Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court Traffic records, his license was suspended in September 2014 for not paying a $293 fine earned by running a red light. Those records also say he’s delinquent on a May 2 red light violation, this one for $277.” (source: www.miamiherald.com)
At this time, it is unknown whether the boy’s vehicle was blocking traffic or if it was lawfully navigated to the emergency lane. Nor is it known whether or not the boys had ventured into the oncoming traffic. Many times an automobile will attempt to use the emergency lane without first anticipating that another vehicle may be in it. In any event, breaking down and having to stop on I-95 is extremely dangerous. Your best safety defense if you must stop on I-95 is to get your car as far off of the highway as possible and call AAA for roadside assistance, and to stay in your car.
According to AAA spokesperson Martha Meade, “Drivers are more distracted today than they have ever been before, so it’s become more dangerous to stop and even try to fix your car on the side of the road.”
Highway Safety Tips
Meade is educating drivers to know what to do before their car breaks down on the highway and provides drivers with the following highway safety tips.
“If you have a problem, even if it’s a flat tire, it’s better to limp off to the exit, even if you’ve been de-rimmed, than to risk your life. If exiting the highway is not an option, making yourself visible to other drivers is crucial.”
“Hopefully, you have triangles or flares in your car. You can put them as much as 100 feet behind your car. Turn your flashers on; turn your dome lights on.”
“If you need to pull over, AAA says pulling as far over as possible helps make the situation safer.”
“Even if you have to drive off into the grass, you want to get as far away from traffic as you possibly can.”
“AAA says drivers should take the time to prepare themselves by placing cones or flares in their cars just in case.”
source: http://wtvr.com/2012/12/29/aaa-gives-tips-on-what-to-do-when-your-car-breaks-down-on-highway/
If you have been injured or have had loved ones killed in a Broward County automobile accident, call the Maus Law Firm today for a free consultation. Assisting the victims of serious accidents, negligence and crimes in South Florida since 1993.