Common Causes of Car Accidents on Florida Roads

Car accidents are a significant concern on Florida roadways, impacting thousands of lives each year. From minor fender-benders to severe collisions, the consequences of these accidents can be devastating, leading to physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens.

Unfortunately, Florida has a high incidence of traffic accidents, making safety a critical issue for anyone on the road. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the state recorded 394,836 automobile accidents in 2023. 3,197 resulted in fatalities and 164,377 involved injuries.

This blog post will examine the most frequent causes of car accidents on Florida roads. While some issues, like distracted driving, are common in every state, others, like certain weather conditions, are more pronounced in the Sunshine State. Whether you're a Florida resident or just passing through, understanding these risks can make a real difference in your driving experience.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has been an issue since the invention of the automobile. Any time a driver is not fully focused on driving increases the risk of an accident. Some common distractions include:

·        Eating

·        Dealing with a pet

·        Personal grooming

·        Changing music

·        Consulting your GPS

·        Daydreaming

Most of these actions take your attention as well as your eyes off the road. A short lapse in focus can lead to serious consequences, especially at high speeds.

Most of the distractions listed above are minor compared to the potential distraction of an electronic device. Texting while driving is a serious issue because it involves your visual, manual, and cognitive attention at the same time. For this reason, 48 states, including Florida, make it illegal to text while you drive.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol continues to be a problem across the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 13, 524 drunk driving deaths in 2022. Florida reported 601 fatalities and injuries stemming from impaired driving incidents in the same year.

Driving under the influence is dangerous because alcohol depresses your nervous system leading to:

·        Decreased motor skills

·        Slower reaction times

·        Poor judgment

·        Decreased Concentration

Any one of these conditions makes driving more dangerous. Combining all of them is an accident waiting to happen.

Drowsy Driving

When a driver operates a vehicle while fatigued, it can have a similar impact to driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In Florida, where long stretches of highway and late-night driving are common, the dangers of drowsy driving are particularly pronounced. Falling asleep at the wheel, even for a few seconds, can result in catastrophic collisions, causing severe injuries or fatalities.

One of the concerns around drowsy driving is the difficulty in measuring your level of fatigue. Most drivers don’t realize they are drifting off until it’s too late.

Speeding

The faster a car drives, the longer it takes to slow down. However, this basic rule doesn’t stop people from ignoring speed limits. Whether they underestimate their commute time or simply want to feel the power of their sports car engine, some drivers go dangerously fast on the road. According to the NHTSA, speeding has been a factor in about a third of all motor vehicle fatalities for the past twenty years.

Speeding not only increases the chance of an accident, but it also increases their severity. Speeding cars are more likely to lose control, flip over, or cause secondary accidents when surprised drivers must react unexpectedly.

Reckless Driving

Speeding falls into the general category of reckless driving. Any time a driver ignores signals, stop signs, or safe lane-changing practices, they increase the risk of a collision. The rules of road are there to keep drivers safe. Acting like they don’t apply to you creates a dangerous situation.

Unique Driving Safety Concerns in Florida

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions play a factor in accidents across the country. In Florida, we have issues like sudden rainstorms and hurricane winds. Our summer thunderstorms can bring short bursts of torrential rains that make it difficult to see the road, increasing accident risks.

Elderly Drivers

Florida is a popular state for older, retired people. Slower reactions and longer decision-making times are part of the aging process. Additionally, many older drivers don’t want to give up the independence that comes with a vehicle, even if it comes with an increased accident risk.

Preventive Measures and Safety Tips

Defensive Driving

While you can’t control how other people drive, you can employ techniques that lower your risk of an accident. Defensive driving is a proactive approach that anticipates potential hazards. It includes maintaining a safe driving distance, obeying posted traffic laws, and paying attention to the behavior of other drivers.

Self-Awareness

You should always ask yourself if you’re in the right condition to operate a vehicle safely before getting inside.  Signs of impairment or fatigue should not be ignored. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid creating an unsafe situation.

Regular Maintenance

Routine vehicle care, especially paying attention to the condition of your tires, can keep you safer when unexpected weather comes. You want to ensure you have enough traction to be safe in wet, slippery conditions.

Finding Legal Assistance After a Car Accident

Auto accidents can affect your ability to work, care for your family, and your quality of life. If you have been injured on a Florida roadway, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. At Loutos Law, we want you to receive the compensation you deserve from insurance companies. With our legal experts on your side, you can focus on getting your life back to normal.

Resources Cited:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2024).  Drunk Driving. nhtsa.gov.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2024). Speeding. nhtsa.gov.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. (2024). Crash and Citation Reports. flhsmv.gov