According to the 2019 traffic crash report from the Florida Department for Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were a total of 401,867 motor vehicle accidents in Florida, which is an average of 1,101 collisions per day. There were also 236,753 injuries and 3,185 fatalities that year.
The following are the five most common causes of car accidents in Florida:
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Distracted driving – Today, our smartphones have become one of the most important items of our daily lives. From texting to social media, we are constantly immersed in our phones – even while we are driving. In recent years, texting while driving has become one of the most common causes of car accidents in Florida. Distractions can take your mind away from the main task of operating your vehicle, your hands away from the steering wheel, and your eyes away from the road.
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Impaired driving – Another common cause of motor vehicle accidents in the state is drunk or drugged driving. These types of crashes often occur late at night, during the weekends, and during the holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and the Fourth of July. Alcohol and controlled substances can impair your judgment and vigilance and delay your movements and response time, which is why intoxicated driving accidents often occur.
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Speeding and reckless driving – A significant amount of all car accidents are caused by speeding. The faster you drive, the less time you have to react to road conditions. Furthermore, the higher the speeds, the more serious or catastrophic the injuries will be in the event of a collision. Reckless driving involves carelessness without any regard for any other person’s safety, which may include tailgating, ignoring traffic signals and signs, failing to use turn signals before switching lanes, or even road rage.
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Fatigued driving – Many drivers live busy lives working long hours and do not get adequate sleep at night, which can result in accidentally falling asleep while driving. Fatigue is similar to intoxication because your reaction time is delayed, which can make it extremely difficult to avoid a crash.
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Poor weather – From heavy rains to high wind gusts, bad weather conditions can make it more difficult to operate a vehicle and cause drivers to lose control, resulting in a crash.
If you were recently injured in a car accident in Tampa Bay, contact Paulsen Law Group today for a free initial consultation. Get more than 15 years of experience on your side!