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When most of the U.S. population thinks of winter, the visions of snow-covered roads, icy bridges, and the potential for accidents come to mind. Obviously, these visions are not of Florida. However, statistics show vehicle crashes do increase in Florida during the winter by about 4.9 percent. The biggest reason is the increase in traffic density. 

Most common types of accidents in Southwest Florida 

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, the highest numbers of traffic incidents in each county in Southwest Florida in 2016 were: 

Why are there are so many accidents? 

Jay Anderson, the founder of Stay Alive…Just Drive, a non-profit advocacy group working to combat distracted driving, provided the following assessment of Southwest Florida drivers. 

“We look at traffic laws as traffic suggestions. No U-turn does not pertain to you. Everyone wants to blame the roads, but the roads are not the problem. The fact remains, it is us. The distractions are getting worse. Cell phones have been problematic for years. Now dashboard screens, GPS devices of questionable accuracy and other new technologies compound the situation. What people do not realize is everything you do behind the wheel impacts everyone else,” Anderson says. 

As quoted in Gulfshore Life, Lt. Greg Bueno of the Florida Highway Patrol says, “Whether it is the cell phone or your mind wandering somewhere else … things happen so quickly that that little distraction could make a difference between you stopping in time. It is coupled by speed, aggressiveness out there, tailgating—all of that plays tremendously into crashes.” 

Safety initiatives being implemented 

Last season Collier County’s population increased by nearly a third. Deputies worked a total of 4,695 crashes last year, with 19 percent of those crashes resulting in injury. Road Patrol deputies typically handle these crashes, which take a deputy an average of 20 minutes to complete, not including the time it takes to get to the scene. This has a significant impact on patrol deputy manpower. Starting Monday, December 4, 2017, through April 27, 2018, Traffic unit deputies began working traffic crash scenes so that Patrol deputies can stay available for high priority and regular calls for service.  

In early 2017, the Florida Highway Patrol launched the “Arrive Alive” traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing the growing number of preventable traffic deaths in heavily populated counties like Lee County. Arrive Alive is focusing on the hot spot areas identified to increase law enforcement presence, media outreach and road safety assessments. Hot spots in Lee County have been identified as US-41, I-75, Daniels Parkway, SR-82, Lee Boulevard, Buckingham and Homestead roads. 

According to the News-Press, Lee County roads recorded more than a 10 percent rise in fatalities in 2016 with 109 traffic deaths reported. 

6 tips to avoid winter accidents 

EHS Today, an occupational safety and health magazine says that if you are looking to avoid becoming a victim of one of these winter car accidents, the following tips can help you stay safe: 

• Do not drink and drive.
• Do not tailgate, and always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of yours.
• Drive within the posted speed limit.
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
• Always check your blind spots.
• Keep your vehicle well maintained (tire pressure, fluid levels, etc.). 

“No matter what season it is, being involved in a vehicle accident is disturbing and can be devastating to you and your family. Please be assured that our team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. is ready to assist you,” said Naples Personal Injury Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Naples Personal Injury 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.