Addressing the Distracted Driving Problem in South Florida in 2022
Florida is ranked the second-worst state when it comes to distracted driving accidents. Nearly 50,000 annual accidents that occur in Florida are caused by distracted driving. This is a clear indication of the efforts that ought to be taken to make Florida a safe place for drivers and pedestrians.
According to a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1 in every ten fatal accidents in the U.S.A. is caused by distraction, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths annually. Distractions take the motorist’s attention when driving, an instance that can make the driver miss critical objects, cues, and events, potentially leading to a crash and subsequent loss of lives or injuries.
A sad reality about distracted driving is that not only does it endanger the driver, but it also endangers everyone else using the road. According to research, 1 in 5 people who died in accidents caused by a distracted driver was either walking, cycling, or otherwise outside a moving car.
Anything that takes your attention from the road can be a distraction that may ultimately lead to losing lives, property destruction, or injuries. In 2012, for instance, 10% of fatal accidents in the U.S.A. were caused by distracted drivers. Additionally, 18% of these accidents led to injuries.
Causes of Distraction
Three main types of distractions have been attributed to increasing fatal road accidents. These distractions include;
- Visual
- Manual
- Cognitive
Visual Distraction
Visual distraction occurs when you take your eyes off the road. This is common when drivers decide to use their mobile phones while driving in most instances. This level of distraction is also typical when drivers try to operate wireless devices in their cars. For example, you may decide to change your music or connect your Bluetooth device to your phone.
Even though newly-manufactured vehicles have been designed to allow drivers to operate wireless devices, the few seconds drivers use to look at these devices largely contribute to road accidents. A report released by the A.A. Foundation established that 1 out of 20 drivers uses a handheld device at any given time, thus raising concern about the well-being of road users.
Manual Distraction
Manual distraction occurs when you take your hands off the wheel. When drivers decide to text or make or receive calls while driving, this is common. Manual distraction has been attributed to most accidents since drivers are not only distracted visually, but their ability to manually control the car is limited.
Additionally, mobile devices have been attributed to almost a quadruple in the number of accidents linked to distracted driving. Therefore, using mobile phones while driving has made it imperative for law enforcers to confiscate them for evidence purposes, especially when drivers fail to admit liability.
Cognitive Distraction
Cognitive distraction occurs when the ability of the driver to focus while on the road is limited. This may be caused by a stressful situation or an unforeseen road incident such as a road accident or when you see an advertisement with a deal to “die for.”
Measures Taken to Reduce Distracted Driving in South Florida
In order to curb the accidents associated with distracted driving, various states, more so Florida, have put in place regulations that discourage the use of mobile devices while driving. For instance, distracted driving in South Florida has been a major problem in the region for years. The number of deaths caused by distracted driving has made it imperative for Florida lawmakers to implement laws that discourage activities that distract drivers. Under the newly-implemented laws, it is illegal for drivers in Florida to text, email, or engage in other activities using a wireless device while driving.
This includes banning texting while driving and encouraging the hands-free use of mobile phones. Additionally, the number of teens who can drive freely has also been reduced. The reason for reducing the number of teenagers driving cars has been reached since statistics have indicated that 60% of accidents caused by distraction involve drivers under the age of 20 who mainly spend most of their time on social media.
Anyone caught breaking the law is subjected to a $30 fine. There may also be additional costs associated with court proceedings and repeat offenders. In addition, repeat offenders are subjected to a $60 penalty and a point deduction from their driving license.
The Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Highway Patrol recently launched a campaign that targets drivers, with the sole goal being to reduce distracted driving. There is also a distracted driving awareness month where drivers in Florida are educated on the dangers of distracted driving. This campaign targets all sorts of behaviors, including grooming while driving, changing radio stations, and eating while behind the wheel.
Seeking Compensation and Legal Advice
With distracted driving in Florida leading to a high number of deaths and injuries, it is vital to ensure that you are fully compensated. If you have been involved in an accident that a distracted driver caused, you can sue for compensation. This has been made possible by the presence of law firms that will handle your case and ensure that you are fully compensated.
Most car accidents caused by distracted driving do not escalate to any form of litigation since most are the times that insurance companies pay the required compensation. However, there are unfortunate instances where the driver involved denies a claim or fails to take responsibility for the accident.
If you are involved in an accident that a distracted driver caused, you will have to prove it before a court of law. This may be challenging if you are not versed in Florida driving laws.
However, you will have an easy experience when claiming compensation with a Florida distracted driving accident lawyer. Additionally, you are guaranteed to get higher compensation when a lawyer is involved compared to instances where you may opt to seek compensation by yourself.
Contact the Bodden and Bennett Law Group online or by calling (561) 806-5229 today for a free case evaluation if you have been injured by distracted driving in South Florida.
