Why are there so many motor vehicle accidents in the Sunshine State?

Florida is considered the third most dangerous state when it comes to driving. Each day Floridian drivers cause more than 3,000 car accidents. Over 200,000 injuries are caused by vehicle accidents and about 3,200 individuals die from these fatalities. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 2020 saw about 336,062 crashes in total and in 2021 alone more than 26,000 motor vehicle accidents have already been reported. 

There are many common causes as to why vehicle accidents occur. Here are some of the leading causes of car accidents in Florida: 

• Speeding
  • Standard FL speed limit is 55 mph on all roads. However, some people believe it is okay to go over the speed limit so when it comes to when they must stop, they are unable to stop with time then causing a crash with another vehicle
• Drunk Driving 
  • When an individual operates a vehicle, and their blood alcohol levels are 0.08 or above they are driving under the influence. Drunk Driving in Florida has caused 958 alcohol related fatalities in 2021. That is 31% of all accidents happening. 
• Exhaustion
  • If you find yourself drowsy or falling asleep behind the wheel pull over and take a break until you can operate the vehicle without dozing off or do not drive at all. 
• Inexperienced Drivers
  • People who are just learning how to drive or just received their drivers license for the first time can cause a car accident
  • They are just getting comfortable behind the wheel, learning how to operate the vehicle, and learning to apply the rules that come with the privilege of driving. 
• Distracted Driving
  • Texting/talking on the phone while driving
  • Paying attention to the music on the radio
  • Eating or drinking
  • 308 fatalities occurred in 2020 due to the driver being distracted
  • 1.5 million collisions a year are caused by the driver took his eyes off the road for a second to see a text message 
  • In Florida it is illegal to text and drive at the same time
• Reckless Driving 
  • Running red lights
  • Cutting people off 
  • Aggressive drivers (those who weave in and out of traffic)
  • Can be fined $500 or $5,000 and face jail time depending on if anyone was seriously injured or a fatality occurred

For over 50 years, Cohen and Cohen Law has represented South Floridians who have been personally injured in a car accident. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident, call Cohen and Cohen Law today.