.2202231143550.jpg)
Car Accidents in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) most recent crash report (dated 2020), car accidents in the Sunshine State numbered 341,399. While a dramatic decrease from years past, which saw upwards of over 403,000 crashes, Florida still remains in the top five states with the most car accidents per year.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in FL?
Speeding
In the above report, law enforcement issued 552,839 speeding citations to Florida drivers. This represents almost half of all moving violations cited in the year.
With interstates like I-4, I-75, I-275, and major highways like US-19, you are sure to notice other drivers moving faster than the posted speed limit. If you are in front of a driver who is approaching fast, move over and let them pass by. Be sure to give drivers plenty of space!
Distracted Driving
Unfortunately, many drivers are in the habit of multitasking while driving, leading to car accidents due to distracted driving. In the Sunshine State, 48,488 car accidents were caused by distracted driving in 2020, resulting in 2,747 injuries and 299 fatalities.
Section 316.305, Florida Statutes, states that anyone operating a motor vehicle while using a handheld device can be pulled over and ticketed by law enforcement. Still, a ticket should not deter you from distracted driving as much as a potential car accident should.
If you are operating a vehicle, your focus should solely be on the road and what is ahead of you. Leave all handheld devices out of reach and refrain from paying attention to cars pulled over on the shoulder.
Slick Roads
It may come as no shock that Florida gets its fair share of rainy weather. Rain does not just bring dark clouds and inconvenient showers, however. It can also make the roads incredibly dangerous.
As cars make their daily commutes, oil from their undersides begins to drip over the roadways. The oil sets into crevices and builds up over time. As soon as it starts to rain, the water lifts the oil and creates a slick surface.
In a national report by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, 70% of weather-related crashes were due to wet pavement. Be extremely careful during the first 10-15 minutes of rainfall, as this is when slick roads are the most dangerous.
Driver Fatigue
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that being awake for at least 18 hours equates to having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05% while being awake for more than 24 hours is equivalent to a BAC of .10% It is estimated that around 6,000 car accidents due to driver fatigue result in fatalities.
Yet again, Florida ranks in a list of the top five, but this time it is regarding the total number of truckers, with about 77,500. Driver fatigue is a large problem in the trucking industry due to truckers being on the road for more hours than they are supposed to without sufficient rest.
Clearwater Car Accident Attorney Available 24/7
Idrizi Law Group is committed to efficient and aggressive legal representation. With over 20 years of litigation experience, you can be assured that your Clearwater accident attorney will advocate for your rights and demand justice so that you can focus on your recovery.
If you or someone you know has sustained an injury in a Florida car accident and are seeking compensation, call us today at (727) 202-5499 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.