Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of personal injury in Florida, including in Fort Lauderdale. Such accidents can result in injuries ranging from mild to serious and even fatal. A large number of crash-related fatalities are reported every year across the roads of Florida. Here is a look at some key traffic crash statistics for Florida as well as the leading causes of crashes.
Florida Traffic Crash Statistics 2019
According to the statistics shared by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), a total of 401,867 crashes took place across Florida in 2019 alone. Of these, 2,951 accidents proved fatal resulting in 3,185 fatalities. The total number of injury crashes during the year remained at 152,768. Of these, 14,252 crashes involved serious injuries resulting in disabilities. In a total of 231,896, property damage was the only damage suffered by the parties involved.
Within the Broward County, the total number of crashes reported during 2019 was 41,114. These resulted in 214 fatalities and 23,671 injuries.
Top Causes of Car Accidents
Car crashes are caused by a variety of factors. However, some factors are more frequently responsible for causing crashes, as substantiated by the statistics and facts. Here is a look at these factors.
Impairment Caused by Alcohol or Drugs
In 2019, Florida saw a total of 4,984 crashes where alcohol-related impairment was a confirmed contributing factor. These crashes resulted in 378 fatalities. Similarly, the number of confirmed crashes where drug-related impairment was a major cause remained at 730 during the year. 381 fatalities were confirmed in these drug-related crashes.
Together, alcohol and drugs account for nearly 1,100 traffic deaths during the year 2019 when the total road fatalities stood at 3,185. These translate into nearly 35% of the total fatalities. This makes alcohol and drug-related impairment the leading cause of fatal accidents in Florida.
Florida has stringent DUI and DWI laws. The penalties are a lot stiffer when a drunk or impaired driver causes an accident resulting in injuries or fatalities. In 2019, there was a year-over-year decrease in the number of alcohol-related car accidents although drug-related crashes registered a significant hike.
Speeding
Another leading cause of car accidents in Florida is speeding. Speeding is typically of two types. When a driver is driving above the posted speed limit, this is regarded as speeding. Similarly, when a driver is going at a speed which is too fast for the road conditions and circumstances, this is also regarded as speeding. For instance, if the traffic has slowed down ahead but a driver coming from behind failed to brake in time, this is an instance of speeding.
Speeding drivers cause all sorts of accidents, including rear-end crashes and T-bone collisions. Car accidents involving vehicles traveling at a high speed also typically result in serious to fatal injuries.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a significant contributing factor in a number of Florida car accidents. During 2019, 266 traffic fatalities were caused by distracted drivers. Distracted driving also resulted in 2,929 incapacitating and 14,030 non-incapacitating injuries. Another 32,081 accidents were deemed as being possibly caused by distracted drivers. Calling, texting, or otherwise using mobile phones is the most common type of distraction for drivers.
Fatigue
Fatigue and drowsiness is the key contributing factor in many crashes involving commercial vehicles. The drivers of 18-wheelers and other large trucks are often fatigued for lack of rest. They may momentarily doze off causing accidents. Fatigue is a less common contributing factor with passenger vehicles but it still does play a role in many car crashes as well.
Weather and Road Conditions
Weather can impact visibility, reduce road grip and otherwise create dangerous conditions for driving. Strong gusts of wind, snow, sleet, fog, and heavy rains are all factors that directly contribute to a higher number of traffic accidents. Most accidents caused in adverse weather conditions involve property damage as the bulk of drivers are prudent enough to slow down in such weather.
Hiring a Reliable Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
If you have sustained injuries or properly damage in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we can help you. Here at Englander Peebles Law Firm, we work with car accident victims with a focus on helping them recover a fair amount of compensation. This compensation goes a long way towards covering the costs of your injuries and other losses. Our lawyers can negotiate with an insurer or prepare your claim for a court, depending on the circumstances. Reach out to us today to discuss your car crash claim with our lawyers.