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According to NBC2 News on January 2, 2017, last year was a very deadly year on Lee County roads. In fact, 108 people died; the highest number of fatalities in a decade, and a 10 percent increase from 2015. Statewide, fatal crashes also increased. More than 3,100 people were killed compared with 2,900 in 2015.

What are the causes of the increases in fatal crashes?

The National Safety Council attributes the rise in fatalities to the increase in traffic brought on by a more robust economy and drop in unemployment rates since the Great Recession, coupled with lower gas prices than in the first six months of 2015. In addition to an improving economy, motorists can point to DUI crashes and distracted drivers as causes for fatal wrecks, according to the Palm Beach Post.

WFLA TV reports the causes of the increase to be:

• Florida’s beautiful weather and tourist attractions draw people from all over the world which causes a significant amount of congestion on Florida’s roads.
• Many Florida tourists are from other countries and do not know or understand Florida’s traffic laws.
• Many drivers are being too reliant on advanced car technologies such as backup cameras and lane-change sensors. 

What efforts are underway to reduce fatal crashes? 

The Cape Coral police department, according to NBC2, is trying to stop this deadly trend through traffic enforcement operations that specifically target distracted driving and drunk driving. Police officers are receiving overtime pay provided through grant money to patrol high-crash areas. 

The Florida Department of Transportation studied the crashes to develop a safety plan that details ways law enforcement, engineers and drivers can help reduce the number of deaths on Florida roads. The plan offers safety improvements and helped revitalize statewide education campaigns, such as Arrive Alive, aimed at reminding people of safe-driving techniques. 

Traffic safety officials caution drivers to stay safe on Florida’s roadways. Remain within posted speed limits, put phones away while behind the wheel, and never drink and drive. Traffic safety begins with the driver. 

“If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle crash, contact the experienced attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” said Fort Myers DUI Attorney, Randall Spivey. 

Fort Myers Automobile Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.