Mark Roman | January 3, 2023 | Car Accidents
According to the most recent data available from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were over 360,000 motor vehicle accidents of all types in 2022. This means that every month, more than 30,000 accidents occur on and near Florida roadways.
The factual circumstances surrounding each of these collisions may differ, but many are caused by one or more of the following factors.
1. Drunk or Impaired Driving
FLHSMV recorded 746 fatalities in 2020 related to drunk or impaired driving. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs alike can impair a driver’s judgment, making it more likely that the impaired driver will collide with another.
2. Distracted Driving
Aside from cell phones, drivers can be distracted by trying to adjust music settings, conversations with passengers, or even sights along the roadway. Any distraction can take the driver’s focus and hands away from the task of driving and make it more difficult for the driver to avoid a collision.
3. Speeding
Speeding robs the driver of precious seconds to see a hazard and take appropriate action. Speeding on surface streets and highways can lead to severe or fatal crashes.
4. Failing To Yield the Right of Way
Traffic control lights, signs, and Florida law all regulate how traffic is to proceed through intersections and road merge points. When drivers do not obey these laws or devices, a side impact or head-on impact can occur.
5. Following Too Closely
Tailgating, or following the vehicle ahead of you too closely, reduces the amount of time you have to avoid a collision in the event that the vehicle suddenly stops or slows down.
6. Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Drivers are required to stop at stop lights and stop signs and proceed only when the light has changed to green or when they otherwise have the right of way. Drivers in a hurry will sometimes disregard these rules, though, leading to serious motor vehicle wrecks.
7. Poor Weather and Lighting Conditions
Driving at night and in foggy conditions can significantly impact a driver’s ability to see other traffic and be seen by other motorists. If motorists do not leave extra distance between themselves and other cars and slow down, the odds of a crash increase.
8. Age
Young drivers are inexperienced and apt to make impulsive decisions that jeopardize themselves and others. Elderly drivers are also at a greater risk of wrecking, as age can impair a person’s vision and increase the time it takes to react to obstacles and hazards.
9. Dangerous Road Conditions
Snow, ice, and slippery chemicals can make it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles, especially if they are traveling fast. Additionally, unrepaired potholes or uneven surfaces can catch a driver by surprise and cause them to lose control of their vehicle. Even a momentary loss of control can lead to an accident.
10. Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving can encompass several behaviors, such as speeding, following too closely, passing with insufficient clearance, and changing lanes without signaling. It is akin to using your vehicle as a weapon, and it creates dangerous circumstances that can end with a crash.
11. Blind Spots
Every vehicle has blind spots — areas around the vehicle that the driver cannot easily see using mirrors. If a driver is not cognizant of these blind spots and fails to check them before changing lanes, they can collide with other vehicles.
12. Car Defects
As cars become more complicated, an ever-increasing number of components must be maintained to reduce the chance of failure. Defective brakes or airbags that deploy when they should not can cause wrecks, as can automated driving systems that fail.
Safe Driving Practices Can Help You Prevent Accidents
Through the exercise of caution and reasonable care, many car accidents can be avoided. Even in those accidents that cannot be avoided, careful, defensive driving can reduce the severity of injuries you and others sustain.
Contact the Tampa Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Tampa. We have four convenient locations in Florida: Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442