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According to the National Safety Council (NSC) statistics released last month, September 2015, the United States is on track to have its deadliest traffic year since 2007 with nearly 19,000 people killed as a result of motor vehicle accidents this year, a 14 percent increase over last year.

Serious injuries which are those that required medical consultation, according to NSC, were 2.3 million in the first six months of 2015. This is up 30 percent compared to the same timeframe in 2014.

Deborah A.P. Hersman, President and CEO of NSC said in a press release, "Follow the numbers: The trend we are seeing on our roadways is like a flashing red light - danger lies ahead."

When looking at the top 5 causes of fatal crashes in the U.S., one sees the first cause being driving too fast, followed by driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication, failure to keep in the proper lane, failure to yield the right of way and distracted driving.

The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) reported that there were 2,407 deaths in Florida in 2013 (most recent statistics). This was more than all the other states with the exception of California and Texas. Florida was ranked the 19th most deadly states in the nation in terms of fatalities per 100 thousand people. 

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DOT), traffic fatalities are up 12 percent statewide over the same time in 2014.

Specifically, by Southwest Florida county, traffic fatalities to date are as follows:

Brevard County: 46

Broward County: 128

Collier County: 17

Hendry: 9

Lee County: 68

Palm Beach County: 111

The Sun Sentinel reports that safety officials in Florida are saying that there are several explanations that could cause a spike in Florida's traffic deaths: 

• People are driving more as gas prices have dropped, and the economy has improved;

•  More drivers are distracted behind the wheel, and 

• Intractable problems such as speeding, impaired driving and not wearing seatbelts continue to contribute to the death toll.

WINK News reported on September 15 that two people died and one was critically injured after a crash in Ft. Myers near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard. The police report following the accident said that the victim's vehicle ran a red light and was travelling at double the posted speed limit of 30 miles-per-hour before colliding with a truck.

"If you have a loved one that has been the victim of traffic accident, contact the attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights," said Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Vehicle 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.