Most Common Causes of Traffic Crashes in Florida

As Floridians already know, the Sunshine State is a very popular destination for those seeking a warm-weather getaway. As a result, Florida is home to some of the busiest roadways in the United States. Visitors from out of town populate highways with rental cars. Commercial truck drivers operate their vehicles on the interstate. Floridians execute their everyday tasks.

All of this leads to congestion and gridlock. With so many cars, trucks and motorcycles on the road, a traffic crash is inevitable. In 2017, there were 402,385 total crashes in Florida. Over 3,000 people lost their lives during that time. The year before, there were 395,785 total crashes. An accident on the highway, even a fender bender on a side street, can burden a family with an unexpected bill that can disrupt their lives considerably.

The volume of vehicles on the road statistically dictates the inevitability of a traffic accident. People behind the wheel simply don’t pay attention to the road. Reckless drivers are never in short supply. If you were involved in an accident, a personal injury attorney Winter Park can help you acquire all of the monetary compensation for which you are eligible.

The Most Common Causes of Traffic Crashes in Florida

Speeding

To help visitors and residents of Florida arrive at their destinations safely, laws governing speed limits were put in place. However, drivers often act in their own best interest and ignore the speed limit. In doing so, the odds of them getting into a traffic accident increase exponentially. When speeding, drivers lose the ability to brake within the proper distance, negotiate turns, and react fast enough to avoid other motorists or hazards in the road.

Distracted Driving

The arrival of the smartphone is both a blessing and a curse. We now can find any location in the country and have the directions dictated to us. But for many, the temptation to check a social media feed or make a phone call is too great. The result? Distracted driving has swiftly become one of the leading cases of traffic crashes in Florida and across the county. A trend that’s especially dangerous is texting while driving. Talking on the phone pulls attention from the road, but the driver can still see their surroundings. Texting not only diverts one’s attention, but it takes their eyes off the road which can easily lead to a fatal accident.

Any action that diverts attention from the road is a distraction:

• Sightseeing
• Finding a radio station by hand
• Interacting with passengers in the vehicle
• Soothing an inconsolable child

Failing to Obey Traffic Signals

Failing to come to a complete halt at a stop sign is not unusual. Unfortunately, neither is trying to beat a red light. A driver with the right of way who is traveling the speed limit probably doesn’t expect another driver to ignore a stop sign or run a red light. Side-impact accidents are a very serious threat to all occupants of the vehicle.

Driving While Impaired

Nationally, the limit of one’s BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is 0.08%, but a driver can be impaired before their blood reaches this level. A person’s faculties may also be impaired by prescription drugs, marijuana or other substances which prevent them from operating a vehicle safely.

Even with the existence of technology to assist drivers, people are still the greatest danger on the road. A personal injury attorney Winter Park will be able to assist you with your case if you have been involved in a traffic accident.