Car Accidents in Florida Are on The Rise
April is known as Distracted Driving Month and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) recently released statistics and data that showed 2017 was the worst year on record for accidents involving distracted drivers in Florida. In addition, there were a total of 387,900 total car crashes that amassed over 246,285 injuries. Unfortunately, the U.S Department of Transportation also shows a steady 12% increase in the number of fatal car accidents every year. According to the data, Miami and Broward County topped the list for the most car accidents.
However, many of these accidents are caused by distracted drivers.
What’s a distracted driver?
Distracted driving is the act of driving while engaged in other activities that take the driver’s attention away from the road. All distractions compromise the safety of the driver, passengers, bystanders and those in other vehicles. For example: text messaging or being on your phone is considered a distraction while driving. The number of distracted drivers is on the rise due to the fact that more teenagers are growing up using cell phones to text, snapchat, and communicate with others.
Text messaging and driving is one of the biggest problems on our roads today. When operating a motor vehicle, make it your duty to put your phone down and focus on the road. This is an important lesson to teach your kids and family members. More eyes on the road will result in less car accidents across our state.
Other contributing factors
Poor weather conditions are a contributing factor to car accidents in Florida, especially during the summer months. The number of retired Americans is also the highest in Florida which is also considered a contributing factor to the number of car accidents. Compared to teenage drivers, there are many more drivers over 65 involved in car accidents in Florida.
Lastly, drunk driving causes numerous accidents and fatalities across the state each year. It’s important to recognize these statistics and be careful on the road. Due to the number of unqualified drivers on the road, car accidents in Florida continue to rise.
Call us for a free consultation
Peter Porcaro is a seasoned lawyer located in Delray Beach, Florida. He specializes in auto-accidents, personal injury, and cannabis law. If you have been injured in a car accident and need to speak to someone, call our firm today for a free consultation: 561-286-7561.