What Are the Top Causes of Florida Car Accidents?
There were approximately 402,385 car accidents in Florida in 2017, which averages out to 1,098 crashes per day. 2,924 of those crashes were fatal and 166,612 resulted in injuries. There were 3,116 fatalities, which means that a couple hundred accidents resulted in multiple fatalities. The 400,000 plus accidents resulted in 254,310 injuries and 20,380 incapacitating injuries.
Why Florida Car Accidents Occur
Despite the term “accident,” car crashes are rarely ever accidents. Car crashes are often the result of human error and inattention and can be avoided by drivers taking certain precautions. Unfortunately, not too many drivers take those precautions and therefore contribute to the state’s high accident rates. Some common causes of Florida car crashes include the following:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the number one reason for car accidents today, both in and outside of the sunshine state. Distracted driving does not just refer to texting and driving or talking and driving, but rather, to a slew of activities people often perform in their vehicles. Some such activities are as follows:
- Eating;
- Applying makeup;
- Reading;
- Changing the radio station;
- Talking to passengers; and
- Reaching for something.
Speeding
Speeding is another leading cause of car crashes throughout the state and the nation. In addition to making one lose control, speeding can also result in a more severe impact and therefore, more severe injuries.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving refers to constant and abrupt lane changing, speeding, tailgating, and other unnecessary and dangerous maneuvers on the road. Aggressive driving causes a significant number of accidents on Florida roads each year.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a year-round problem, but it tends to become more of a problem right around the holidays. Drivers who are impaired because of marijuana, narcotics, or any other controlled substance also tend to cause car accidents. In fact, 5,125 vehicle accidents in 2017 involved a drunk driver, while an additional 668 involved a drug-impaired driver.
Driver Errors
Even the most experienced drivers can forget to use their turn signals, fail to brake in a timely fashion, or fail to abide by a traffic signal. While innocent mistakes, these small errors often prove to be injurious if not fatal.
Inexperienced Drivers
Inexperienced drivers tend to make far more errors than experienced drivers. Some are deliberate while others are accidents. From speeding to tail gaiting to driving distractedly, teen drivers are guilty of several dangerous indiscretions on Florida roads. 17,065 Florida car accidents in 2017 were caused by drivers between the ages of 15 and 17, while another 46,851 involved drivers who were between the ages of 18 and 20.
Fatigued Driving
It is no secret that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, yet people continue to do it. If one’s been awake for 24 hours, his or her brain capacity is similar to what it would be if he or she had a BAC of .10, which is .02 points over the legal limit.
Failure to Stop
Accidents caused by drivers running red lights or stop signs are both common and dangerous. The impact caused by these types of errors is usually debilitating or fatal.
What to Do if You Have Been Involved in a Florida Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Florida that is the result of another person’s negligence, contact the Miami car accident lawyers at Spencer Morgan Law for a free assessment of your case and to determine the value of your claim. If we agree to work together, we can help you prove liability and work to maximize your recovery. For the legal assistance you need at this difficult time in your life, contact our team today.
Resource:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2017.pdf