TAMPA — Tammy Ferrer, a grieving mother, stood before the Tampa City Council, clutching a small pouch of her son’s ashes, pleading for action. It had been seven weeks since her son, Cody Kurtz, was killed in a motorcycle accident involving an 85-year-old driver. But what made this tragedy even more devastating was the fact that the same driver had been involved in a similar crash at the same intersection just three months earlier.
Ferrer had taken it upon herself to investigate the driver, pouring over state statutes and searching for witnesses and evidence. She even contacted the mayor, hoping to have the case assigned to a new detective. Yet, despite her efforts, nothing had been done to address the driver’s ability to continue driving.
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The incident sheds light on a larger issue of road safety in Tampa. According to state data, over 450 people died in crashes in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties last year. Tampa officials have called the city’s road safety problems a public health crisis, stating that “our roads are unsafe for everyone.”
Florida, known for its car-centric culture, has seen a high number of fatal crashes involving older drivers. In fact, federal data shows that older drivers in Florida were involved in more fatal crashes than in any other state in 2021.
Ferrer’s heartbreaking plea to the City Council highlights the need for action to address road safety and hold drivers accountable. She believes that the driver involved in her son’s death should have his driving ability re-evaluated and his license revoked if necessary.
While the driver involved in Kurtz’s accident may not have committed a crime, Ferrer believes that his actions warrant a re-evaluation of his driving ability. She is not alone in her plea, as many others in Tampa have also called for stricter measures to ensure road safety.
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The tragic loss of Cody Kurtz serves as a reminder that road safety is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. The City Council and local authorities must take action to prevent more lives from being lost on Tampa’s roads. It is a matter of public safety and the well-being of the entire community.
