Florida Motor Vehicle Accidents: The Top Five Causes and How to Prevent Them

In 2019, the US Department of Transportation’s Highway Administration reported that there were 18,063 reported serious injuries due to motor vehicle accidents.  They also reported an alarming 3,183 motor vehicle fatalities.  While the state of Florida has engaged in education and messaging to decrease these numbers, the alarming 5-year statistics have not yet declined significantly.

We have found 7 reasons for the high number of serious injuries and deaths related to motor vehicle accidents in Pompano Beach, Florida.

1. Distracted Driving – why yes, it’s beautiful!  From vacationers to residents, we all enjoy the scenery in Florida.  We also enjoy our time with a car FULL of friends and relatives as we drive around the area.  Texting and driving is one of the leading causes of distracted driving with 56,425 texting and driving accidents happening in Florida in 2021!  The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is partnering with law enforcement partners and other agencies to educate Floridians about the importance of avoiding distracted driving with the Put It Down: Focus on Driving campaign. The Wireless Communications While Driving Law, section 316.305, Florida Statutes, took effect on July 1, 2019. This law requires drivers to put their phones down and focus on driving.

2. Aggressive Driving –  we’ve all been there, you’re driving and someone cuts you off or doesn’t use their turn signal.  You get angry and before you know it, you’re tailgating or speeding up to pass them.  Aggressive driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in Florida with over 130,000 reported aggressive driving accidents in 2020.  The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has a campaign called Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles. The campaign encourages drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to look twice for motorcycles, especially at night.

3. DUI – Driving under the Influence – In 2020, there were over 33,000 DUI arrests in Florida. The best way to avoid a DUI is to not drink and drive. If you’re going to drink alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you could face time in  jail, a huge fine and can lose your license in Florida. Driving under the influence is not only illegal but it’s also dangerous!

4. Fatigued or drowsy driving –   we’ve all been there, you’re driving and you start to get tired.  You may not think it’s a big deal but drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving!  In 2020, there were over 100,000 reported accidents due to fatigued or drowsy driving.  If you’re feeling tired, it’s important to not get behind the wheel of a car.  Did you know that drowsy driving mirrors the driving of an alcohol impaired driver?

5. Speeding –  we all like to get where we’re going as fast as possible but speeding is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents.  In 2020, there were over 500,000 reported speeding accidents in Florida.  The best way to avoid a speeding accident is to slow down and obey the posted speed limit!

6. Ignoring traffic signs and signals –   we’ve all been there, you’re driving and you see a stop sign but you don’t want to stop so you just slow down or go through the intersection.  Ignoring traffic signs and signals is another lead cause of motor vehicle accidents in Florida with over 200,000 reported accidents in 2020.  The best way to avoid this type of accident is to simply obey traffic signs and signals.  After all, you’ll get there faster without an #accident in Pompano Beach, Florida!

7. Vacationers – Overall in 2021, Florida had nearly 118 million domestic visitors, the highest number in state history. Of that 118 million, 1.5 million were overseas travelers—an increase of 43 percent compared to the third quarter of 2021 according to Sarasota Magazine.  Because of the incredible influx of tourists who are unfamiliar with the roads, distracted by family and friends as well as the desire to drink alcohol on vacation, Florida becomes increasingly dangerous around high travel times.  These times are during the holiday seasons and school breaks.

Of course, many people travel all across Florida each year and come home safely.  Here are some suggestions for traveling across Florida safely in a motor vehicle:

• Wear a seatbelt
• Use hands free devices
• Keep adequate distance between you and other drivers
• Get rest before traveling
• Drive the speed limit
• Use Uber, Lyft or another rideshare company if you drink alcohol
• Obey all traffic laws
• Know your route
• Minimize distractions

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident while vacationing in Pompano Beach, Florida or surrounding areas, it is important to know what to do.  The first thing you should do is seek medical attention if you or anyone else involved has been injured.  Once you have received medical attention, the next step is to call the police and make a report.  After the police have been called, you should then call an experienced personal injury lawyer in Pompano Beach, Florida.  The lawyers at Frankel Law are experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve!Give us a call today at 954-799-4529 or visit https://wordpress-517114-3662879.cloudwaysapps.com/ to schedule your FREE case consultation today.