Police Warn About 'Stunting' As ATV Rider Dies In Highway Crash
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HIALEAH (CBSMiami) -- Traffic on the Palmetto was tied up for hours Sunday evening after a crash involving multiple all terrain vehicles at NW 103rd Street.
One ATV rider was killed.
Florida Highway Patrol said the vehicles were going southbound but aren't sure if someone lost control or was hit, resulting in the crash.
Earlier in the afternoon, a group of motorcyclists weaving in and out of traffic were seen on the Palmetto northbound. At least one of them even performed a potentially-dangerous stunt.
This is raising concern about something called "Wheels Up, Guns Down," an annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day event. Hundreds of bikers fill the streets and expressways of Miami-Dade and Broward counties doing wheelies, so-called 'stunting' and breaking traffic laws.
"We see too often these individuals who use these vehicles in a careless and unlawful manner, putting not only themselves in danger, but those around them," said Miami-Dade Police Dept. Maj. Hector Llevat.
Earlier in the week, Miami-Dade and Broward County authorities said they're ready to handle the onslaught of riders.
"If you're planning on disrupting traffic or if you're planning on endangering the lives of yourself or anyone else, you will be dealt with from a zero tolerance standpoint," said Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel.
Police caution that you're 27 times more likely to die in a bike crash than in a car crash and your odds of dying are dramatically increased if you're not wearing a helmet. Most of those who've taken part in "Wheels Up, Guns Down" in years past were not wearing helmet, not only endangering themselves with their driving but the public, as well.
Florida Highway Patrol and the Broward Sheriff's Office warned riders that they will be out enforcing traffic laws and trying to prevent accidents.
"We are absolutely prepared to make Broward County as safe as possible," said Sheriff Israel. "Our goal is to make sure law enforcement stays safe. And our goal is to make sure all riders are in compliance with the law."