Florida Car Crashes Continue to Increase

Florida Car Crashes Continue to Increase

We all have something to say about other people’s driving. They’re either going too fast, driving too slow, need their license taken away, or need to go back to Driver’s Ed. Unfortunately, it’s not just one or two drivers that are wreaking havoc on Florida’s highways and roads. Florida car crashes continue to increase year after year. The numbers are shocking—but we can all help slow down the increase.

Florida Car Crashes Increase 46% in 4 Years

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles publishes yearly reports with statistical data about car accidents and traffic crash facts. And every year, the report is an eye-opening look into the world of Florida traffic accidents. (The statistics quoted in this post have all originated from the DHSMV’s thorough report and from their “Quick Stats” site.)

The most recent traffic statistics available—the 2014 report published in 2015—indicate there were 344,170 traffic accidents in 2014. This is a dramatic increase from 2010 when only 235,461 car accidents were recorded. That’s a 46% increase in only 4 years.

Florida’s Quick Stats, which are less in depth than the full Traffic Crash Facts reports, indicates there were 374,021 reported car accidents in 2015—an increase of 8.7% over 2014. Fatalities also increased in 2015 by 16%.

Unfortunately, 2016 isn’t looking any better. The first four months of the year have resulted in 127,423 reported accidents, a full 5,000 more than the first four months of 2015. But what can we do to slow down this trend?

How Can We Curb Car Accidents in Florida?

With population growth, car accidents will most likely continue to increase, at least in terms of raw numbers. The rate at which they happen can go down, however. In order to do this, drivers must commit to a few simple rules.

  1. No more distracted driving. Put down the phone, the latte, or the scone. When you’re behind the wheel, driving should be your number one priority. No texting, no answering calls. Focus on the task at hand and anticipate other drivers’ behavior.
  2. Let go of the road rage. Don’t let the stress of life get into your head while you’re driving. Whether you’re running late, hitting every red light, or just having a bad day, driving aggressively is not the answer. Speeding, tailgating, and cutting off other drivers are all dangerous behaviors that can result in car accidents. Drive defensively—pay attention and be aware of your surroundings.
  3. Never drive while under the influence. Before going out, make sure you have a plan to get home safely. Whether that’s a designated driver (Thank you, DDs!) or a taxi, make sure your friends are on board. If you’ve had too much, tell someone. Don’t get behind the wheel. If your friend has had too much, don’t let them drive. Communicate and be honest. If you always have a plan, you are less likely to get stuck in a bad situation.

Involved in a Wreck? Call a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident can be a devastating experience that can knock you off your feet—literally and figuratively. Whether you’ve suffered a serious injury or severe property damage, consulting with a Tampa personal injury lawyer is a vital step in getting your life back together.

A skilled Tampa personal injury lawyer will investigate your car accident and help you determine what your best course of action is. We know a lot about car accidents—the totaled cars, the shattered lives, and the mounting medical bills. We also know how best to serve our clients who have had their lives altered by such a horrible experience.

You don’t have to face the aftermath of your car accident alone. Consult with a Tampa personal injury lawyer today and start planning for the future.