Fatal Car Accident Causes
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were an estimated 394,366 car accidents in Florida in 2022 alone. Tragically, those collisions resulted in 3,191 collisions and 3,410 fatalities. While this number represents a small decrease from the prior year, the statistics belie an alarming overall trend of increasing rates of car accidents and fatal injuries in the U.S. Read on to learn more about some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents in Florida.
Distracted Driving
Car accidents in Florida occur at a rate of one every 44 seconds and according to the FLHSMV, one out of every seven of those crashes involves some sort of distracted driving. Preliminary numbers indicate that in 2023, almost 300 people lost their lives in Florida car accidents caused by distracted driving, an increase of 23 from the prior year. While the distractions that caused these accidents ranged from everything from daydreaming to eating and drinking while driving, more and more distracted driving-related crashes are being linked to the use of electronic devices, like cell phones.
Impaired Driving
Most people are aware that driving while impaired is extremely dangerous, as intoxication by either drugs or alcohol reduces hand eye coordination, slows reflexes, and affects decision-making, the proper functioning of which are all necessary to safe driving. Unfortunately, despite stricter laws and public awareness campaigns, impaired drivers continue to pose a threat to other road users, as the injuries sustained in collisions with intoxicated drivers are often severe and sometimes prove to be fatal. In 2019, for instance, around 26 percent of car accident fatalities in Florida were the result of alcohol impairment.
Speeding
Like distracted driving, incidents of speeding on Florida’s roadways also seem to be on the rise. This has had devastating consequences for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike, as speeding drastically increases the risk of being involved in an accident and reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazardous situations. Around nine percent of fatal accidents in Florida are the result of speeding.
Driver Fatigue
Driving while fatigued is another common cause of fatal accidents not just in Florida, but across the country. Some reports indicate that drowsy driving accounts for nearly 100,000 crashes and 1,550 fatalities every year, which is why it’s so important for drivers who recognize the signs of fatigue while driving to pull over right away. These signs could include:
- Yawning and blinking frequently;
- Having trouble remembering the last few miles driven;
- Drifting from the lane;
- Hitting the rumble strips;
- Nodding off;
- Missing an exit; and
- Having trouble maintaining the proper speed.
Recognizing these signs can go a long way towards helping sleepy drivers avoid being the cause of an accident.
Call an Experienced Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Losing a loved one unexpectedly in an accident is one of the most devastating experiences that a person can endure. Negligent drivers who cause these kinds of untimely losses can and should be held liable for their actions. Call 954-566-9919 or complete one of our online contact forms to speak with one of the experienced Florida wrongful death lawyers at Boone & Davis today about filing this type of claim.
Sources:
flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
flhsmv.gov/2024/04/02/life-takes-a-turn-every-44-seconds-on-floridas-roadways/
