The numbers are sobering.
In 2017, Florida saw over 400,000 auto accidents. Statistics show just shy of 254,000 injuries and 2,901 fatalities resulting from these accidents.
There were also 767 bicyclists or pedestrians killed, and 16,000 incidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars.
While most people understand the basic rules of driving – what you should and shouldn’t do when behind the wheel – any driver of any age should understand the top causes of car accidents.
Many of these behaviors take place because the driver is “comfortable” behind the wheel and can get careless.
This list is a serious reminder to drivers that car accidents can happen to anyone at any time.
Top 5 Causes of Florida Auto Accidents
1. Distracted Driving:
While we often assume an accident will be someone else’s fault, the truth is just the opposite.
The number 1 cause of auto accidents is distracted driving. Whether turning to yell at the kids in the back seat or looking down to pick up your lunch, taking your eyes off the road is the surest way to find yourself in an auto accident.
Of course, the most deadly offender in this category is your phone – talking, texting, or glancing at the latest news headlines, the phone is the leading culprit when it comes to accidents due to distracted driving.
2. Speeding:
Speeding can cause auto accidents in several ways. Most notably, a driver traveling at excessive speeds will have less reaction time and often misjudges the amount of space they need to slow down or stop in an emergency.
The car is also much harder to control at top speeds, making speeding more conducive to skidding, spinning, or even flipping the car. And while everyone understands the danger when speed is exceeded by 20 or 30 mph, even a 5 mph increase in speed can be the difference between missing a bicyclist and hitting them at a speed that can cause injury or death.
Drivers should always be cognizant of the speeds posted not only on highways but in pedestrian areas and town centers as well.
3. Drunk Driving:
Everyone understands both the perils and the punishments involved with driving while intoxicated.
Studies have found, however, that many people who were cited for drink driving didn’t think they were intoxicated.
In Florida, a blood alcohol level of .08 is considered legally impaired, but if you are noticeably impaired at a lower BAC, you can still be arrested. The best course of action is to abstain completely from drinking before getting behind the wheel.
As they say, being in a drunk driving accident is 100% preventable.
4. Reckless Driving:
While speeding is considered to be included in reckless driving, this category also encompasses many other risky driving behaviors, such as tailgating and changing lanes too quickly.
Reckless driving includes any behavior which puts yourself and others at risk by not taking prudent care to ensure safety.
Other examples of reckless driving may include not adjusting for limited visibility, speeding past stopped vehicles, or not giving pedestrians the right of way when appropriate.
5. Rain (& Other Weather Conditions):
Rain can cause slick roadways which can be dangerous for any type of vehicle and torrential rain often causes loss of visibility and hydroplaning.
Motorists tend to drive at their own comfort level in heavy rain or snow, and different vehicles travel at different speeds. Rain, high winds, storms, ice, and other weather conditions are the fifth leading cause of traffic and auto accidents across the board.
Florida roads tend to be crowded and busy, and driving in the Sarasota and Bradenton area requires vigilance even in the best conditions.
If you have been involved in an auto accident and require an attorney, call the experts at Probinsky & Cole.
We are your local personal injury attorneys and auto accident legal team, and are here to help in any of life’s unexpected situations.
