In a previous blog, we discussed the major and extremely dangerous issue on I-95 where drivers suddenly—and illegally—dart into the express lanes from the main highway to avoid traffic bottlenecks. In an effort to try and address the issue while deterring drivers, the state was planning to install additional poles.
Fast forward to 2017 and it appears the effort may be working. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has installed over 30,000 additional orange poles. The number of crashes in the I-95 express lanes has since dropped by nearly a third within the last six months. On top of that, traffic tickets for lane diving have also plummeted by over eighty percent. Lane diving is when a driver runs over the poles to exit or enter the express lanes.
As drivers ran over the poles, the wear and tear on the poles meant FDOT also found itself having to replace thousands of them on a monthly basis. The new highway poles are significantly sturdier and FDOT has also made it a point to convey the message that drivers risk receiving a ticket if they are caught lane diving.
Despite the presence of stronger and additional poles, always be diligent when traveling on the I-95 express lanes.
This update is brought to you by the Miami traffic attorney team of Hochman & Goldin, P.A. We can assist you with criminal traffic violations and are ready to answer your questions. Please call 305-665-1000 to speak with a Miami traffic lawyer today.