Florida is the most dangerous place in the United States when it comes to car accidents and fatalities. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the state has more than 400,000 crashes in 2018. One factor that affects the number of car accidents in Florida is the number of elderly drivers. By 2030, it is projected that the population of over 65 years old would be more than 27%. In this blog, you will know the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida.
If you or someone you know is in Lakeland and has been involved in a car accident, you need to contact a reliable car accident attorney in Lakeland to help you. While accidents are unavoidable, below are some of the causes of accidents in Florida that could help you to at least become aware and avoid such accidents.
Distracted Driving
It is not surprising that drivers cause the most crashes. A study confirmed that driver error had caused 94% of the crashes surveyed.
Below are the driver errors found that have caused most of the accidents:
- Recognition errors were accounted for 41% of car accidents caused by drivers. This includes internal distractions such as loud music or attending to children at the backseat, external distractions, lack of surveillance, and texting and driving.
- Decision errors were accounted for 33% of car accidents, such as illegal maneuvering, speeding, misreading other’s intentions, and failure to signal correctly.
- Performance errors were accounted for 11% of all the accident, such as poor directional control.
- Drowsy driving was accounted for 7% of the accidents.
- Faulty vehicle
Around 2% (about 44,00) crashes surveyed caused by vehicle issues. However, it is not clear whether or not the owner or the manufacturer was to blame as the survey only took in on-scene information, without following any of the cases through investigation.
Although a quick on-site inspection showed that of the 2% of faulty vehicle crashes, 35% were due to tire problems, brake problems were 22%, 3% is caused by engine/suspension/steering/transmission-related problems, and 40% by other and unknown defects.
Environmental factors
Another factor that has caused 2% of crashes were caused by the environment, such as atmospheric and roadway condition. Slick roads caused over half of this percentage. 17% were due to glare, 11% by an obstructed view and 3% are caused by signs and signals. 4% of the accidents attributed to environmental factors is caused by weather condition.
While Florida is known to be one of the most dangerous states for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, it has the most number of uninsured drivers. Car accidents may cost you thousands of dollars in vehicle repair, medical bills, and emotional healing.
While it is hard to avoid accidents, knowing the common causes of car accidents may help you to be aware of the things that you should avoid while driving. It is also essential to check your vehicle before using it to keep you from any vehicle failure. Moreover, you have to be aware of your environment while you are on the road, especially if you are expecting any weather condition that is coming.
If you are residing in Lakeland, Florida, and caught yourself in an accident, you must contact a car accident attorney in Lakeland as soon as possible to help you.
