Florida Roads Becoming Riskier Due To More Fatal Crashes

Florida is consistently one of the states in the country that is known for hazardous accidents on the roads. In 2017, the state had the most accidents resulting in fatalities in over ten years, as well as a massive uptick in fatal road accidents. As of 2018, that trend has only increased, according to Florida Highway Patrol. It’s important for people to know a few facts about road accidents in Florida.

FLORIDA DRIVERS RANK AMONG THE WORST IN THE COUNTRY

Florida drivers consistently rank as some of the worst in the country. In 2018, the state became listed as the eighth worst when it comes to driver safety, according to SmartAsset. Drivers in the state are more likely to commit traffic violations that cause accidents. Additionally, Florida has the second-highest rate of drivers without auto insurance, which raises insurance rates for the drivers that do have a policy.

FLORIDA HAS THE MOST FATAL HIT-AND-RUN ACCIDENTS

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Florida is the state that ranks highest regarding fatal hit and run accidents. The foundation reported that in 2016, there were 206 hit and run accidents in the state, resulting in at least one death in addition to numerous injuries to other victims.

PEDESTRIAN DEATHS ARE RISING

In Florida, pedestrians are increasingly getting killed as a result of road accidents. The Governor’s Highway Safety Association reported that Florida is the second-worst state for pedestrian deaths with the number only expected to rise in time.

BICYCLE ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES

The Orlando Sentinel called Florida the deadliest state for bicyclists, with 818 fatal bicycle accidents in 2015. That’s a 35 percent jump from 2010, so the problem is escalating. Officials cite alcohol, tourists, and a relatively densely packed population as the main reasons bicycle accidents are so plentiful.

TEXTING WHILE DRIVING

Distracted driving in Florida is on the rise, with many texting while driving despite the practice being illegal. Motorists are charged with a secondary offense when caught behind the wheel looking at an electronic device. The state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles found that nearly 50,000 crashes involved distracted drivers in 2016.

DRUNK DRIVING

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a huge problem in Florida and accounts for thousands of road accidents each year. According to the NHTSA, there were more than 5,200 crashes in 2016 in Florida due to drunk driving. A variety of campaigns launched over the last few years aimed at preventing drunk driving. Combining education with tighter laws and more vigilant law enforcement agents, the state is doing their best to combat this issue.

CALL A LOCAL FLORIDA ATTORNEY

Even when you try hard to avoid crashing, accidents still happen. When that’s the case, it’s essential to call in an experienced Davie car accident attorney who will help you fight for your rights. Contact the law offices of McCullough & Leboff, P.A. by calling 954-989-3435, or filling out our website’s contact form. This law firm has 23 years of experience representing South Florida residents in all types of cases.