Car accidents have been on the rise in South Florida for years, and there are many reasons for this. Understanding the various causes of these accidents is vital to help develop ways to prevent them. Car accidents can happen for multiple reasons, and knowing what caused your accident can help you hold the responsible party accountable. Here, we will go through five of the most common causes of South Florida car accidents. Read on for more!
Before we dive into the causes of road accidents, it is essential to know that they can be classified into different categories that are;
- Human causes: The majority of car accidents are caused by human error. This can include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and aggressive driving.
- Vehicle causes: Faulty vehicle components can also lead to car accidents. This can include bald tires, defective brakes, and faulty steering.
- Environmental causes: Poor road conditions can also lead to car accidents. This can include things like potholes, debris on the road, and inclement weather.
Some of the most common causes of South Florida car accidents include;
Distracted Driving
Any activity that takes the driver’s focus away from the task of driving is considered distracted driving. This can happen in three different ways: manually, visually, or cognitively.
When drivers take their hands off the wheel, they are manually distracted.
When the driver’s eyes leave the road, they become distracted by visual stimuli.
Cognitive distractions happen when the driver’s attention wanders from the task of driving.
One of the most prevalent types of distracted driving is texting. Drivers who check text messages while driving cannot notice what is happening in front of them on the road, and serious accidents may result.
In addition to texting, many other activities that can distract drivers include;
- Talking on the phone
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio
- Talking to passengers
- Looking at a GPS device
Drivers need to be aware of these distractions and avoid them while driving.
Speeding
When a driver is speeding, they cannot stop as quickly as they would if they were driving the speed limit. This can lead to severe accidents, especially if the driver is speeding in an area with pedestrians or other vehicles.
Speeding also increases the severity of an accident. A driver driving above the speed limit is more likely to cause serious injuries or even death than a driver going the speed limit. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a speeding driver, it is crucial to contact a South Florida car accident attorney as soon as possible.
In 2021, there were over 12,000 speeding tickets in Broward County and over 18,500 in Miami-Dade County, showing widespread speeding.
Additionally, driving over the speed limit or too fast for conditions was a contributing factor in 30% of all fatal crashes in Florida in 2018. This means that speeding plays a role in almost one-third of all traffic fatalities and is a severe issue.
The posted speed limit on roads and highways cannot be exceeded by more than 15 mph, while interstate limits can only be exceeded by up to 20 mph.
Always be mindful of the posted speed limit and adhere to it while driving. If caught speeding, you may be subject to a fine and points on your license. If caught speeding in a school or construction zone, you may be subject to an even higher fine.
Driving Under Influence
When a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they cannot operate a vehicle safely. This can lead to severe accidents and injuries.
In 2021, there were over 24,000 DUI arrests in Florida. This is an increase of over 20% from the year before. Of these arrests, almost half were made in South Florida.
Drugs have a lot of effects on their users. These effects include;
- Drowsiness
- Impaired judgment
- Lack of coordination
- Slow reflexes
The consequence of a DUI can be very severe. For a first offense, the potential penalties include up to six months in jail, a $500 fine, and a one-year license suspension. A second offense carries a possible sentence of up to nine months in prison, a $1000 fine, and a two-year license suspension. A third-time offender can face up to five years in jail, a $5000 fine, and a three-year driver’s license suspension.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in South Florida. This is when a driver operates a vehicle dangerously or carelessly. This can include;
- Drag racing
- Swerving in and out of traffic
- Running red lights or stop signs
Reckless driving also includes aggressive driving, which is the deliberate act of endangering other motorists. Aggressive driving can consist of;
- Excessive horn use
- Brake checking
- Cutting people off
- Yelling or gesturing at other drivers
In 2021, there were over 11,000 reckless driving arrests in Florida. This is a decrease of almost 20% from the year before.
Tailgating
When a driver is tailgating, they are following the car in front of them too closely. This can lead to severe accidents, significantly if the driver is speeding or the road conditions are poor.
If a driver is tailgating and the car in front of them brakes suddenly, the driver may not have enough time to stop and could rear-end the other vehicle.
In 2021, there were over 16,000 tailgating accidents in Florida. This is an increase of almost 30% increase from the previous year.
Tailgating is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal. It is against the law in Florida to follow another car too closely. You could be given a ticket or even arrested if you are caught tailgating.
After you have been in a motor vehicle accident in South Florida, it can be challenging to know what to do or where to turn. You may feel overwhelmed and confused because dealing with insurance companies and getting your life back to normal can be complicated.
It is essential to contact a South Florida car accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and determine your legal options. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system, deal with the insurance companies, and get the compensation you deserve.
At the Bodden and Bennett Law Group, our experienced car accident lawyers can help you get through this time smoothly. We have been in the industry for over two decades. We have the knowledge and experience to bring you the best possible outcome for your case and have successfully represented many who have been involved in car accidents. Contact us immediately for a no-obligation consultation if you need a South Florida car accident attorney.
