Being involved in a car accident puts tremendous stress on your life. From injuries to property damage to lost wages, there’s a lot to absorb following the aftermath of a car accident. While the causes of car accidents may vary, in some cases, they are avoidable.
Negligent behavior leads to an increased risk in Florida car crashes. Unfortunately, the likelihood of a car accident in one’s lifetime has become all too common. Listed below are eleven of the most recurring causes of car accidents. Knowing these possible causes can help you avoid getting involved in a fatal car accident in Florida.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Florida consistently ranks among the top states in terms of fatal car accidents. Due to the frequency of injuries and untimely deaths, it’s imperative for drivers to remain cautious of reckless and aggressive driving behaviors. In some instances, what may seem completely innocent, like grabbing a bite to eat on the way to your next meeting, can actually present a huge threat to your safety and the safety of those around you.
Here are the eleven most common causes of car accidents nowadays:
Speeding
Speed limits are designed to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety. When drivers turn a blind eye to the posted speed limit, your chances of getting into a fatal car accident in Florida increases significantly. Not only does speeding make navigating roadways more difficult, it also reduces your reaction time in the event of an unanticipated change. Altogether, speeding increases the degree of crash severity and puts the driver, passengers, and others on the road directly in harm’s way.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence poses a serious risk to yourself and other drivers around you. If you consume more than the legal limit of alcohol (0.08% or higher) and get behind the wheel, you’re considered an impaired driver under Florida law. A person who drives under the influence of alcohol is unable to predict changing road conditions nor monitor their speed properly, creating a vulnerable situation. A person guilty of unlawful blood alcohol will face several penalties, including fines, community service, and even jail time.
Texting
In Florida, car crashes arise from a handful of neglectful behaviors. Texting happens to be one of the most common causes of car accidents in recent years. According to the National Safety Council, cell phone usage while driving leads to a startling 1.6 million crashes each year. Among those who actively engage in texting behind the wheel, teen drivers are the most likely to cause a car accident. Texting while driving is now a primary offense. Florida Statutes permits law enforcement to stop motor vehicles and issues citations for any motorists that are texting and driving at the same time.
Rain
Even though it’s widely known as the Sunshine State, Florida experiences heavy amounts of rainfall from May to October. During this time of year, wet roads and high wind gusts can make driving a challenge. Because the most fatal collisions in Florida happen between 4 or 5 o’clock in the afternoon, it’s important for drivers to stay mindful of inclement weather conditions that may lead to a loss of control and a potential car accident.
Animals
Florida is home to a diverse ecosystem of wildlife, including deer, alligators, racoons and other non native species. While animal crossing signs are most frequently seen in rural areas throughout Florida, the chances of running into Florida wildlife can happen just about anywhere. Both domestic and wild animals tend to cross roadways that are frequented by busy travelers. Sometimes you swerve to avoid an animal in the road, only to find yourself in the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Drowsiness
When life gets stressful, it’s easy to go through the motions without thinking twice. However, not getting enough sleep will impact your ability as a driver. A sleep-deprived driver is unable to pay attention to the road or anticipate changing conditions quickly enough. According to the NHTSA, the majority of drowsy-driving crashes occur between midnight and 6am, when conditions are dark and visibility is limited.
Not Paying Attention To Traffic Signs/Signals
Failure to brake at a stop sign or running a traffic light are common negligent behaviors that increase the odds of Florida car crashes. When you enter an intersection at the wrong time or make an unlawful turn, you have a heightened possibility of experiencing a side-impact crash. These types of accidents can lead to life-threatening injuries and extensive damage to your vehicle.
Inexperience
Inexperienced drivers often lack the knowledge and know-how of how to properly abide by the rules of the road. The majority of inexperienced drivers are teens or young adults with only a few years behind the wheel. Most times, novice drivers have an easier time of becoming negligent, or even worse, reckless because they don’t fully understand the consequences of traffic violations. It’s crucial for inexperienced drivers to get familiar with the main causes of car accidents.
Night Driving
Driving at night is more dangerous than day because your visibility is restricted. A 500 foot range of light illumination means you have less time to react to road obstructions or varying conditions ahead. Compromised vision, speed, and impairment will also be a factor in your adeptness while driving at night. In fact, drivers should be aware that most fatal car accidents in Florida happen at nighttime.
Improper Turns
Improper turns are the cause of thousands of car accidents in Florida each year. In these instances, one vehicle enters the direct path of an oncoming vehicle and puts both parties in a vulnerable position. When a motorist plans to make a left turn across oncoming traffic, it’s important to have good spatial perception. Those skills quickly become compromised when you drive recklessly or under the influence.
Lane Changing
The Florida traffic law for changing lanes is simple: No vehicle shall be driven from a direct course on any lane on any highway until the driver has determined that the vehicle is not being approached or passed by any other vehicle in the lane or on the side to which the driver decides to move. Not looking before making a lane change is the main cause of side-swipe accidents. In most cases, the driver who merges into the new lane bears responsibility for the car accident. That’s precisely why you should always check your mirrors and blind spot to ensure no other vehicle is present before you make a lane change.
Florida Car Crashes: Statistics
No one assumes they encounter a traffic accident when they head out on Florida roadways. However, Florida remains among the most dangerous states for drivers across the country.
According to the FLHSMV, in 2021, there were:
- 401,537 crashes in total
- 252,973 reported injuries from Florida car crashes
- 109,646 hit and run crashes
- 9,567 pedestrian crashes
- 831 pedestrian fatalities
- 8,648 motorcycle crashes
These statistics highlight the latest car accident reports, although Florida’s damaging accident rate has been high for many years. Drivers must stay alert and avoid distractions at all times to prevent the causes of car accidents.
FAQS on the causes of car accident
What causes most car accidents in Florida?
Speeding and distracted driving are two of the main causes of motor vehicle accidents in Florida. Eyes off the road and traveling at top speeds result in dangerous driving scenarios that potentially harm you, passengers, and others on the road.
What causes most fatal car accidents in Florida?
Distracted driving, excessive speeding, and reckless behavior are the top reasons for fatal car accidents in Florida. According to the most recent report, there has been a 10.5% increase in fatal car crashes in Florida since 2020.
Why are there so many accidents in Florida?
Florida ranks third among the top three states with the most reported car accidents each year. Driver error, reckless behavior, and unfamiliarity of surroundings lead to a record number of collisions.
Are car accidents common in Florida?
With approximately 15 million licensed drivers in the Sunshine State, the probability of an accident in your lifetime is very likely. Unfortunately, Florida’s high accident rate means drivers must stay extra cautious on highways and local roadways. Keeping the most common causes of car accidents in mind is the best way to avoid major injuries or death resulting from a car accident.
What should I do if I was in an accident and need legal help?
For those who have been injured in a car accident and need legal advice, contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately to discuss your case. If the insurance company is refusing to accept the entirety of your claim, a personal injury attorney will fight for the compensation you deserve and provide expert advice throughout the process.
Contact Porcaro Law Group
If you’ve been injured in a crash, the attorneys at Porcaro Law Group are here to help! Our dedicated and compassionate legal team will provide you with the best guidance and care throughout your car accident lawsuit. Even though Florida is a no-fault state, we will work tirelessly to bring a claim against the responsible party.
Visit our website to submit a free case review and get in touch with our team of personal injury attorneys.
Photo by Steve Freling of Motor Oomph