Florida is the US State with the Most Car Accidents

Anyone who’s ever driven in Florida can attest to the fact that our roads have plenty of motorists who aren’t necessarily the most cautious drivers. No matter where in the state you drive, we have our fair share of people driving with road rage, people weaving in and out of traffic, tailgaters, and, of course, those who text or scroll through social media while behind the wheel. No wonder Florida tops the list of worst drivers in the nation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Speeding. Most people believe that speeding involves driving at a velocity that’s higher than the posted speed limit. However, Florida Statutes Section 316.183 establishes that no person shall drive at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions. This includes having regard to the actual and potential hazards that exist at the time you’re driving. This means that no matter the speed limit, you should always take into account weather conditions, road conditions, whether you’re on a winding road, or any other circumstance that may warrant a slower pace.

Distracted driving. Florida Statutes Section 816.305 is also known as the Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law. It establishes that a person may not drive a motor vehicle while manually typing into a wireless communication device for the purpose of nonvoice interpersonal communication. It’s important to note that such prohibition does not apply when the car is fully stopped. Additional exceptions include using your GPS function, reporting an emergency or suspicions of criminal activity, or communicating by voice.

Tailgating. Florida Statutes Section 316.0895 states that the driver of a motor vehicle is required to keep a reasonable and prudent distance between their own car and the vehicle in front of them. Just as with the speed limit statute, it explicitly states that this responsibility should also take into account the speed of traffic and road conditions.

Reckless driving. Florida law defines reckless driving as any time a person drives with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other people or property. Conduct that could constitute as reckless may include weaving in and out of traffic, unsafe lane changes, speeding, failing to slow down at a crossroad, or tailgating while speeding, to name a few. Fleeing law enforcement automatically constitutes reckless driving.

Driving under the influence. In Florida, a person will be considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol if their BAC (blood alcohol level) is 0.08 or more. This is an important factor because depending on a person’s height, weight, and metabolism, some may feel fine to drive when they legally aren’t. And, even in cases where there’s no accident, getting pulled over while under the influence can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to six months for a first conviction.

Which Florida city has the most car accidents?

While the entire state of Florida is the most dangerous for drivers in the nation, the cities with the highest number of accidents are Orlando, St. Petersburg, Ft. Lauderdale, and Jacksonville. While the rate of accidents has slightly gone down in the past couple of years, our state continues to be one of the most dangerous ones for drivers.

Call Hartpence Law for a Free Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and don’t know how to move forward, let us help you.  Call us at (855) 680-4911 or schedule a free consultation.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney/client relationship.