Latest Blogs

The National Safety Council (NSC) reported an estimated 38,800 people died in car crashes in 2019. Another 4.4 million people were seriously injured and required medical attention.

From January 1, 2020 to August 20, 2020, Collier County has had 2,582 crashes, 28 of which were fatal. Lee County has had 6,720 crashes, 53 of which were fatal, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department.

The NSC says there are “Six Deadly Choices” that can cause accidents. In the order of their statistical impact, they are:

1. Speeding
2. Violating the Right-of-Way
3. Distracted Driving
4. Turning Improperly
5. Driving Left of Center
6. Following Too Closely

Fort Myers car accident attorneys believe many fatal accidents can be avoided if defensive driving techniques are used.

The American Safety Council defines defensive driving as: “…driving in a manner that utilizes safe driving strategies to enable motorists to address identified hazards in a predictable manner. These strategies go well beyond instruction on basic traffic laws and procedures.”

As we come to the end of the summer season, more people will be driving around Southwest Florida. Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey would like to share some defensive driving tips from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the American Automobile Association (AAA):

Making a left turn across oncoming traffic. Unless you have a green left-turn arrow, it may be safer (and less nerve-wracking) to go further up the road and make three right turns, so you’re ultimately turning right into where you want to go, rather than having to judge the speed of oncoming traffic and find the safe gap for a left-hand turn, says Bill Van Tassel, AAA manager of Driver Training Programs.

Merging into high-speed traffic. This is a maneuver that leads to accidents because of the differences in speed between your car and the cars on the highway. “The biggest mistake drivers make is approaching too slowly," Van Tassel says. “That can make it impossible to enter the highway, so you actually come to a stop, making the situation worse.” Use the on ramp to rev up to the speed of traffic, then slot into a gap in the flow of traffic.

Using right-turn-only lanes. Sometimes after the turn these lanes continue, but often they merge into an existing traffic lane, with other cars coming at you from the left. This is a common accident zone, requiring careful observation of traffic patterns — especially when using a right-turn-only lane from one highway to another (see the previous tip). Keep your speed, but check to see if your lane is ending and you need to merge into a gap.

Navigating traffic circles. The increasing use of roundabouts over traditional four-way intersections can be vexing to drivers who aren't familiar with them. “Treat them like a right turn on red,” says Van Tassel. “When it’s clear to the left, you can scoot into the roundabout.” And stay relaxed. Worst case, you may have to go around more than once because you've missed your exit, but ultimately they’re safer because if there is a crash, it’s not at high speed.

Making a left turn into traffic. Sitting perpendicular to a busy road and crossing traffic to make a left is risky because now you have to judge speed from cars on the right and the left. “Instead, turn right and go up the road to where you can safely make a U-turn,” says Van Tassel. “It may take a few more minutes, but it’s safer.”

Mind your meds. This is a biggie, because many medications, whether over the counter or prescribed, can interfere with driving abilities. Read your labels for warnings and if you have any doubt, AAA now offers a free web service called Road Wise Rx where you can type in your medications and herbal supplements to see if they might affect your driving.

Get your vision and hearing tested regularly. Making sure your senses are sharp (and if they're not, using glasses and/or hearing assistance) is key for safety on the road.   

Sit up behind the wheel. People lose height over time. If you feel like you’re not seeing over the dashboard like you used to, grab a seat cushion and give yourself a boost for a clear view of the road.

Take a defensive driving course. You can find safe-driving classes near you through AAA or with an AARP Smart Driver Course, offered online or in a classroom, to keep your knowledge and skills sharp.

Learn your car’s safety technology … but don’t rely on it. People often turn off safety-tech features such as lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring because they don’t want to be bothered to figure out the warning lights and sounds. It’s better to take the time to learn those features (this is where a driving course can help) than to switch them off. “But once you understand them, use them as a backup,” Van Tassel says. “Don’t rely on them to take control … Believing that certain car safety technology will help you in ways that it won’t is worse than not having it at all.”

Make a driving retirement plan. AAA statistics show that Americans are staying behind the wheel an average of 7 to 10 years after they've lost the ability to drive safely. “Make a plan for what you’ll do, such as using shared-ride services or alternate transportation, in the event you can’t drive any longer,” Van Tassel suggests. You’ll be less likely to push your safety limits when you have a considered plan.

“Should you or a loved one be injured in a vehicle accident, please contact a Fort Myers car accident lawyer. At Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys P.A., we have the experienced team to assist you 24/7. 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.