Florida features on the list of some of the most hazardous places to drive in, with the third highest number of fatal car accidents in the United States. Most of these accidents result from human errors rather than unavoidable circumstances, as drunk driving, overspeeding, driving under the influence, and wrong-way drivers, are the biggest accident factors in the state.
Here are the causes, types, and car crash stats in Florida.
Car crash statistics in Florida
If you’re looking to visit or move to a new state, road safety should rank high on the list of factors shaping the city’s safety standards. You’ll look at how many people perished or sustained injuries on the road, and how often the accidents occur. This information will give an idea as to how safe you’re likely to be when driving on the city roads.
Florida posted 2,915 fatal crashes that resulted in a whopping 3,133 deaths in 2021 alone, according to World Population Review. This report ranks Florida amongst the most dangerous cities to drive in, with 1.41 deaths per 100 million miles. You’ll have to be extra careful driving along Florida roads to avoid accidents or mishaps.
It’s important to understand these numbers because they help you determine the causes of accidents, and how prevalent they happen. You can take precautionary measures to enhance your safety on the roads, whether as a resident or tourist.
Types of fatal accidents in Florida
Rear-end collisions are the most common form of car accident in Florida. T-bone collisions, head-on collisions, sideswipe collisions, and single-vehicle collisions are common.
- Rear-end collisions: These collisions are frequently caused by distracted driving or tailgating (when drivers stick too close to the car in front of them). When one of these events occurs, the car in front of them is forced to come to a screeching halt due to a traffic light or an impediment, and the car behind them or a distracted driver collides with the rear of the car in front of them.
- T-bone collisions: Collisions that occur at an intersection where traffic crosses. A driver who runs a red light or a stop sign or makes a left turn before yielding to oncoming traffic is usually the culprit.
- Head-on collision: These collisions are more deadly than other types of collisions, although they are less common. To collide head-on, you or the other vehicle would have to travel the wrong way down the road. This might happen when overtaking another automobile on a two-lane road. This was the case in a fatal accident report involving a woman in a Toyota Camry who collided with a Lincoln MKZ, resulting in the death of her children.
- Sideswipe: Whenever two cars collide in the same direction, it’s called a sideswipe accident. If they are merging or driving at high speeds, the chance of sideswipe accidents increases.
- Single-vehicle collision: It happens when one car collides with an item like a light street pole, side rails, or tree in these types of collisions. Another car may be involved unintentionally, except if the driver swerved to avoid crashing the car and instead collided with the object.
Causes of the fatal car crash in Florida
The grim statistics on fatal car accidents in Florida mean you have to look more closely at the causes of road accidents in this city. While some are unavoidable, most people fall victim due to carelessness. Reports of wrong-way drivers are a clear testimony of human errors.
Here are the main causes of fatal car accidents in Florida:
- Speeding: Speed restrictions in Florida are set to ensure that drivers arrive at their destinations safely. When drivers break the speed limit, their chances of getting into an accident increase dramatically.
- Not paying attention to traffic lights: Traffic lights, like speed limits, help control traffic and prevent accidents. In a hurry, a car may miss a red light entirely. Two vehicles can collide if one has a red light and the other has a green.
- Driver distraction: Have you ever noticed how many other drivers are on their phones while driving? Cell phones are becoming the leading cause of young drivers’ distraction.
- Drunk driving: Drunk driving causes many car accidents in Florida, especially on weekends and holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and July 4th.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, you should have a plan in place for what to do next. You should file an accident report, gather evidence and witnesses, and then contact your insurance company. Our professional and experienced car accident lawyers at Fetterman & Associates, PA can help if you happen to fall victim to car accident injuries. Contact us today for more information, or if you need help.