Whether you live in Florida or frequent its crossroads and highways for a gateway, you have probably noticed an influx of traffic in the past ten years. Florida is one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States, and as more people drive into this state, fatality rates on vehicle accidents continue to increase each year. This article focuses on the latest statistical data regarding car crashes, fatal car accidents, injuries associated with his accidents, and more.
Car Crashes in Florida
In 2017, this state saw a drastic increase in the number of vehicle crashes totaling to 402,385. That means the average number of vehicle accidents per day was 1098. These accidents involved 686,590 people. That means the drivers are not necessarily the only travelers who were involved in these accidents.
Fatal car crashes and incapacitating injuries
Reports show that 42.13% of all car accidents resulted in various forms of injuries that required medical attention. Of these injuries, 3,116 people lost their lives, and 20,380 people suffered severe and incapacitating injuries. Generally, an incapacitating injury is any form of harm that results in loss of normal functioning that the victim could have been able to perform before the accident. The most common example of incapacitating injury is partial or full-body paralysis.
From January to June 2019, 368 people died in Florida, and this is an increase of 9 deaths from the numbers recorded in 2018 within the same period. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 6590 pedestrians died in 2019, and this is the highest number recorded in the past three decades. The report also revealed that the number of pedestrian fatalities (nighttime) has increased by 67% compared to the 16% increase in pedestrian fatalities (daytime) over the past decade.
Alcohol and drug-related accidents
Vehicle accidents associated with alcohol and drugs continue to increase each year. In 2017, there were 6148 vehicle accidents linked to impaired driving, specifically driving under the influence of alcohol and other controlled substances. In Florida, it is illegal to drive if you have a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
Contrary to a widespread belief, the use of prescription drugs when driving isn’t safe. If the medication can cause some form of impairment, you shouldn’t drive. Instead, you should consult with your doctor and find out how long you should wait before you start driving.
Orange County saw the third-highest car accident rate in Florida at 30992. A larger percentage of these accidents occur in Apopka, Orlando, and Acoee. Most of the accidents occurred during the day between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Fridays. It’s likely that most people are always eager to end the week. As a result, they get involved in some of these accidents while commuting home.
Unsafe driving behavior, including distracted driving, drowsy driving, speeding, and more pose a greater disc to other road users and pedestrians. A recent report indicated that unsafe driving tendencies contributed to nearly half of all traffic crashes that caused pedestrian fatalities in 2018. Therefore, unsafe driving practices cause more traffic accidents.
Get Legal Support after a Florida Car Accident
As long as Florida’s white, sandy beaches and other attraction sites exist, people from different parts of the country and the entire world will always want to visit this region. Traffic accidents do happen from time to time, and people suffer injuries. If you or your loved one was involved in a car accident, the law allows you to seek compensation for the damages you suffered. Consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. We can help you figure out the next course of action.