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The News-Press reported on July 5, 2021, that traffic fatalities are accelerating in Lee County. For the second year, the county is on track for 100 deaths. Despite drivers traveling less in 2020 because of COVID-19, traffic fatalities jumped 11 percent in Lee County compared to 2019.

Lt. Gregory S. Bueno of the Florida Highway Patrol Public Affairs Division in Southwest Florida, told The News-Press, “As a motorist, it’s your responsibility to know and obey the speed limit on each road traveled and obey all traffic laws. All of our families share the same road, so driver responsibility and roadway safety is a must, 100% of the time.”

Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey says, “I Drive Safely, a deliverer of online defensive driving courses believes that using common sense and safe defensive driving techniques every time a driver gets behind the wheel will decrease the number of Florida accidents. We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. see the devastation caused by poor driving habits and want to share the company’s 5 top worse driving habits that cause accidents.”

1. Impaired Driving

One-third of all crash deaths in the United States involve an impaired driver. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol continues to be an epidemic on the road and DUI accidents are all too common. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one person dies every 48 minutes in the U.S.  In Florida, there were 814 deaths caused by drunk driving in 2018. So yes, impaired driving tops the list of accident-causing behaviors in Florida or any state.

2. Distracted Driving 

According to Distraction.gov, distracted driving can be an activity that takes your concentration off the road — texting, eating or drinking, grooming, watching a video, using a phone, and more. A recent report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, states that "2,841 people were killed in distraction-affected accidents in 2018." Though Florida remains one of the few states where distracted driving is not a specific moving violation, it is a crash-causing habit that drivers should break. Any activity that takes your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road is guaranteed to put you at risk of an accident.

3. Not Using a Turn Signal   

It seems like a minor offense, considering the dangers of impaired or distracted driving, but the turn signal is a major player in a lot of accidents. Without it, other drivers can’t anticipate your next move. And don’t forget the impact that your unannounced maneuvers can have on pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Make it a habit to use your blinkers, and you’ll be making the road a safer place.

4. Speeding

With 393 speeding-related fatalities in 2016, Florida had the 3rd highest number of deaths among the 50 states, coming in behind California and Texas. Speeding makes quick decisions much harder and wrecks much more common. Stopping, changing lanes, and negotiating a turn all become challenging and even dangerous if you’re exceeding the speed limit. The answer? Slow down.

5. Failure to Yield Right of Way

This one very simple safe driving technique can cause tons of headaches, and even accidents. Waiting to turn left against oncoming traffic, yielding to the driver on your right at a 4-way stop, allowing pedestrians to cross safely — these are all covered in basic driver's education, yet everyday drivers end up entangled in unnecessary accidents simply because they forgot to follow the rules of the road.

“Should you or a loved one be injured in an accident because of the negligence of another, after seeking medical attention, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. We are available to assist accident victims 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer 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 percent (1%) 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 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 at 239.793.7748.