Florida Is the Second Worst State for Distracted Driving
November 12, 2020 | Category: Automobile Accidents | ShareDriving anywhere can be dangerous, but that’s especially true in the state of Florida. Florida ranks number two nationwide for accidents caused by distracted driving, just barely trailing behind Louisiana. Every year, 50,000 car accidents are caused by distracted driving, and 200 of those car accidents result in a fatality.
For those who are lucky enough to survive a car accident, injuries can still have a devastating effect. Victims of car accidents are susceptible to long-term physical ailments that require hospitalization and continued care, emotional distress that can cause them to lose work or future income, and other factors that affect their well-being and quality of life. It is important to immediately seek the experience of a Fort Myers car accident attorney to receive the proper compensation to which you are entitled for the negligence of another motorist.
Distracted Driving Is an Epidemic
Ninety percent of drivers admit to using their phone while driving. This has directly led to some of the country’s highest rates of car accidents caused by distracted driving. As noted above, 50,000 accidents are caused by distracted drivers, which translates to 10 unnecessary, serious injuries every day and 200 deaths a year. When considering teen drivers, the numbers are the most striking. Compounded by inexperienced driving, distracted driving represents nearly 20 percent of fatal teen driver accidents.
What Is Florida Doing About Distracted Drivers?
The state of Florida has taken a few measures to pass legislation to stop distracted driving. One of the leading causes of distracted driving is texting while driving. In January 2020, Florida passed a necessary ban on texting while driving, allowing citations to be written to drivers who violate the rule. Before this law, police were only allowed to ticket a driver for texting-and-driving if they were pulled over for a separate traffic violation, such as running a stop sign or speeding. Statistics show that 90 percent of drivers are on their phones while driving, and the new law allows law enforcement to properly enforce citations. Florida courts have also consistently heard cases regarding distracted driving, awarding compensation for injuries sustained from someone’s careless driving. A Fort Myers car accident attorney can offer guidance on recovering damages after an accident.
What Can We Do About Distracted Driving?
Law enforcement alone can’t solve the problem of distracted driving. Ultimately, it is about personal responsibility as well. Driving is part of many people’s daily routines, but it isn’t just about getting from point A to B. Driving is also a responsibility. We all have a responsibility to drive safely and protect ourselves and other drivers.
Contact a Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. Today
Just because Florida is taking steps to reduce distracted driving doesn’t mean that preventable car accidents at the hands of distracted drivers don’t still happen. If a distracted driver has hurt you or a loved one, you have the right to be compensated for your injuries.
To discuss your rights and options under the law, speak with Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. as soon as possible. Contact us online today for a free initial consultation.
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 Spivey Law.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.
Contact us online for a free initial consultation.