Commissioner Diaz joins Gov. Scott at signing of Aaron Cohen law

Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, front center, and Mayor Carlos Gimenez join Gov. Rick Scott as he speaks at the signing of the Aaron Cohen law.
(Photos by Armando Rodriguez / Miami-Dade County photographer)

(MIAMI-DADE COUNTY) – Just yards from where Miami cyclist Aaron Cohen lost his life to a hit-and-run driver over two years ago, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz on July 16 joined Gov. Rick Scott as he ceremonially signed into law a bill named in Cohen’s honor that gets tough on motorists who flee the scene of an accident.

Cohen’s widow, family members and friends also attended the ceremony, which took place at Crandon Park Marina in Key Biscayne, in the shadow of the Rickenbacker Causeway. Cohen was killed on the Rickenbacker in February 2012 by a hit-and-run driver who was sentenced to less than a year in jail because police could not determine his blood-alcohol level at the time of the crash due to the fact that he had left the scene.

“No one should have to suffer the loss of a loved one due to reckless driving, and it’s in Aaron’s name that we hope to further protect Florida families with Senate Bill 102,” Gov. Scott said after the signing. “Aaron was taken from this world too soon, and it’s our hope that this bill will ensure that doesn’t happen to any other loved ones again. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends that gathered today in Miami to help us sign this important legislation in his name.”

The Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act imposes a minimum mandatory sentence of four years for drivers who flee the scene of a fatal accident – the same as for DUI manslaughter. It also increases the penalties for drivers who harm bicyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

“Aaron’s death was a terrible tragedy, and nothing we do or say can ever bring him back to his loved ones. The best we can do is honor his memory by preventing tragedies like the one that took his life from happening again, and those who loved him can take comfort in the fact that this law will make our roads safer,”  Commissioner Diaz said. “I commend Gov. Scott for turning this place of sorrow into one of hope by coming here to sign this life-saving bill into law.”

Commissioner Diaz has been a strong advocate for improving roadway safety. Last year, he sponsored a  resolution urging the Florida Legislature to pass the Aaron Cohen bill. He has also worked closely with bicycling clubs and the Aaron Cohen Initiative on their lobbying efforts, and in January he traveled to Tallahassee to speak at a Senate hearing about the bill. He also sponsored legislation to implement bicycle and pedestrian safety measures on the Rickenbacker Causeway and surrounding roadways. He is currently working on legislation to install safety signs at the entrance to Rickenbacker Causeway to remind motorists to share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians.

 
Commissioner Diaz chats with Gov. Scott and Aaron Cohen’s widow Patty Cohen as she carries her son Aiden.