According to a report by the National Center for Health Statistics in 2022, motor vehicle crashes caused a fatality rate of 68.9 per 100,000 people in Florida. Florida ranks high among the states in America with the highest road accident death rates.
All Florida drivers have an obligation to drive safely and comply with traffic laws. However, a few drivers choose to be reckless, leading to Florida traffic accidents.
So, how do reckless drivers cause accidents in Florida? Let’s find out below.
Over Speeding
Speeding is among the most common causes of Florida traffic accidents. When overspeeding, drivers are unable to control the vehicle or act fast in case of an emergency. This also increases the severity of a crash when it occurs.
Most reckless drivers in Florida drive excessively fast to reach their destinations on time. For this reason, they end up overtaking on a hill or corner, at railroad crossings, and passing emergency vehicles and school buses. These reckless driving behaviors often cause deadly or catastrophic injuries.
Distracted Driving
According to section 316.305 of the Florida Statutes, law enforcement can stop cars and issue citations to reckless drivers using their phones while driving. A person should not operate a car while typing an instant message, email, or text into a wireless communication device. Failing to adhere to this legal advice for accidents can lead to multiple crashes, fatalities, injuries, and property damage.
Other distracted driving behaviors that can cause accidents include the following:
- Using the car’s entertainment system
- Eating
- Talking
- Using the GPS
- Tending to kids in the back seat
These activities take the driver’s focus away from the road, endangering the lives of the driver and other road users. Three major kinds of distraction can lead to accidents, namely:
- Cognitive: This occurs when a motorist’s mind focuses on thoughts other than driving
- Manual: This is when a driver takes their hands off the steering wheel
- Visual: When the driver takes their eyes off the road
Alcohol or Drug Use While Driving
Driving under the influence is a serious issue in Florida. A driver who operates a motor vehicle while on drugs or drunk is highly likely to drive recklessly compared to sober drivers.
Drugs and alcohol interfere with the decision-making ability and judgment of a driver. This causes reckless drunk drivers to react slowly in case anything happens on the road. Additionally, high drivers are likely to overspeed or take unnecessary risks.
Drunk drivers also have impaired coordination, which increases the chances of a crash. The impact of reckless driving while drunk can be fatal or cause catastrophic injuries.
Inexperienced Drivers
Inexperienced drivers, primarily teenagers, are prone to reckless driving behaviors and peer pressure compared to experienced ones. For instance, young or new drivers in Florida may not fully understand the legal advice for accidents in Florida. Also, due to their limited experience, they may not know the safety tips for Florida roads or the reckless driving consequences.
Some inexperienced drivers in Florida can cause motor vehicle crashes due to their unfamiliarity with or lack of knowledge of the area. Below are some of the reckless driving behaviors portrayed by inexperienced drivers in Florida:
- Driving with the headlights off
- Improper lane change
- Excessive speeding
- Escaping from the police due to peer pressure
- Running red lights
- Drag racing
Defective Motor Vehicle Parts
Car maintenance issues or defective parts sometimes cause motor vehicle accidents in Florida. This is a form of negligence from reckless drivers who ignore the consequences of driving faulty motor vehicles. Cars with mechanical problems, such as worn-out tires and defective brakes, can harm the safety of the driver, other passengers, and road users.
Furthermore, the humid and hot weather in Florida can increase the wear and tear on vehicle parts. This makes it essential to maintain motor vehicles regularly. Drivers are advised to service their cars on time and avoid driving unroadworthy vehicles.
Road Rage by Reckless Drivers
Reckless drivers often display road rage stemming from frustration or traffic-related stress. This causes them to make dangerous and rash decisions such as:
- Flashing lights
- Passing too closely
- Racing unwilling drivers
- Weaving between lanes
- Brake checking
Road rage and aggressive behavior can increase the risk of collisions, fatalities, and injuries. When a driver experiences any feelings of road rage while behind the wheel, they are advised to practice mindfulness techniques. These techniques include positive reinforcement and deep breathing to alleviate frustration and anger.
Why You Should Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Florida
If you are a victim of an auto accident caused by reckless drivers, you’ll find that most insurers and their attorneys will work against you. This means that they will attempt to blame you in order to deny or minimize your injury claim.
Car accident and personal injury lawyers at RHINO Lawyers will handle everything for you and hold the negligent parties accountable. These lawyers negotiate with insurance providers to avoid the chances of you being overcharged. RHINO lawyers can reduce balances by up to 50%, higher than the industry standards.
Moreover, when working with RHINO lawyers, you are always in control. You can access a personal injury or car accident lawyer anytime. Besides, you have access to any information you may need, including:
- Offers received by the lawyers
- Demands submitted to insurance companies
- Your client files
The team at RHINO lawyers is always aggressive, and we fight hard to advocate for our clients.
Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident by Hiring RHINO Lawyers
Reckless drivers in Florida are notorious for causing accidents, leaving victims dead or with serious injuries. Property damage or injuries caused by a motorist’s negligent actions should be compensated. Therefore, it’s essential to find a car accident or personal injury lawyer near you to assist you with seeking compensation.
At RHINO Lawyers, we have auto accident lawyers who handle all the paperwork and file deadlines, allowing you to focus on improving and resuming your everyday life. We ensure you receive compensation for medical expenses, emotional anguish, travel costs, and physical pain, among other factors.
Contact us today for free legal advice after a car accident in Florida or Wisconsin.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
