According to many estimates, a car accident occurs in Florida approximately every 44 seconds. Many of these accidents involve only property damage, but a significant number involve bodily injuries or death. Florida cities have some of the highest car accident rates in the nation, and the state also has one of the highest rates of commercial truck accidents.
In this Florida driver’s guide, you can learn more about how frequently car accidents happen in Florida. If you have injuries from a crash in the state, you need to speak to a Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer about your legal rights and options. Time is of the essence in personal injury cases, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
How Often Car Accidents Occur in Florida
Florida keeps detailed crash data, so figures are relatively easy to find. Based on official state crash and citation reports, there are nearly 400,000 car crashes in Florida every year, causing around 230,000 injuries and 3,000 deaths annually.
The rate at which car accidents occur in Florida is fairly consistent throughout the entire year, and larger cities like Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville experience the most traffic accidents. The high accident rates in cities come down to expansive traffic infrastructure and a substantial number of drivers.
Miami-Dade County has the single highest accident rate by county in the state, with a rate nearly twice as high as the next on the list.
What Are the Major Causes of Car Accidents in Florida?
Florida is a beautiful state, known for its wonderful weather and tropical feel. But it also has a notorious reputation for traffic accidents. Below are some of the most common causes of car accidents in the state:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is potentially the single most common cause of crashes in Florida. Distracted driving contributes to about one in seven traffic accidents and causes thousands of injuries statewide annually. Distracted driving could involve any of the following behaviors:
- Texting and driving
- Fatigued driving
- Navigating with GPS
- Making phone calls
- Talking with passengers
- Eating and drinking
- Applying makeup in the mirror
- Adjusting the radio
- Performing personal grooming
- Watching external distractions
Alcohol Impairment
Drunk and drugged driving in Florida is responsible for killing around 400 people annually and injuring thousands more. Alcohol or drugs contribute to about one-quarter of traffic deaths in the state, with higher rates for younger and male drivers. While drunk, drivers have a lower reaction time and are less able to react to hazards on the road.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving
Speeding is an extremely common cause of crashes, especially on rural roads with relatively high speed limits. Speeding is often accompanied by other aggressive driving behaviors, like weaving between traffic, tailgating, and cutting other drivers off.
Failing to Yield
A significant portion of accidents is due to ignoring road signs or failing to yield. For instance, drivers may run stop signs or red lights when they’re in a hurry. Drivers making left turns may fail to yield to oncoming traffic. Drivers are expected to follow these yielding rules and can cause severe accidents when they don’t.
Inclement Weather
Florida has some of the most extreme weather in the entire country, particularly thunderstorms and windstorms. Heavy rainfall and high winds can make driving dangerous, especially on crowded highways with high speed limits. Flashflooding, for example, can cause cars to hydroplane and collide with other vehicles.
How Does Florida Compare to Other States for Car Accidents?
As one of the most populated states, Florida has some of the highest raw numbers of car accident injuries and fatalities, second only to California and Texas. Florida’s rate of car accidents per 100,000 drivers is above the national average but relatively moderate compared to some other states.
One distinguishing fact is that Florida has a very high rate of motorcycle and pedestrian traffic fatalities. This is often attributed to the state’s warm and sunny weather that promotes riding and walking outside year-round.
Florida also has a consistently high rate of accidents involving large commercial vehicles. This is due to the fact that Florida is a major transportation and logistics hub for the entire Southeastern United States.
How to Stay Safe on the Road and Avoid Accidents
The key to dealing with Florida’s high car accident rate is to be proactive and take steps to protect yourself. Below are some simple things you can do to reduce risk and avoid accidents:
- Be mindful of other motorists, as well as cyclists and pedestrians.
- Give other drivers at least three seconds of distance, higher if in bad weather.
- Modify your driving behavior based on conditions (e.g., rain, low-light, etc.).
- Get regular vehicle inspections and maintenance.
- Avoid distractions while behind the wheel.
- If possible, avoid interstates and highways during peak congestion hours.
Call or text 800-431-9252 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Contact Our Offices to Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer
Do you have more questions about how often car accidents occur in Florida? If so, contact our offices online or reach out by phone to discuss your case with a team member from Blakely Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers.
