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Crash data, which was provided by Lee County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), has shown that the afternoon rush hour is when most vehicle crashes happen in Lee County. The peak time is between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., tapering off at 7:00 p.m. This study was based on data from January 1, 2015 through the beginning of March 2018. 

Specifically, a News Press article of March 23, 2018 says: 

• The highest concentration of crashes happens at the 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. window with 900 to 1,100 crashes reported in those two hours Monday through Friday, with Friday at 4:00 p.m. being the worst. 

• The noon to 3:00 p.m. hours and the 6:00 p.m. hour are next with crashes totaling 700 to almost 1,000. 

• Weekends trend a bit differently with a small bump in the midnight to 3:00 a.m. period and a smaller daytime surge from around 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

The data, according to FIRES (Florida’s Integrated Report Exchange System), includes the following 2017 and 2018 accidents to early March 2018: 

In 2017, out of 12,692 crashes in Lee County, 7,836 resulted in injuries and 111 were fatal. 279 crashes involved pedestrians of which 20 died. 216 involved bicyclists of which 2 died. 

So far in 2018, there have been 2,551 crashes in Lee County, 955 resulted in injuries and 15 were fatal. 56 crashes involved pedestrians of whom 4 died, and 49 involved bicyclists with no fatalities. 

What are the worst driving behaviors leading to fatalities? 

"The increase in fatalities can be directly attributed to distracted driving," said Jay Anderson, Executive Director of Stay Alive Just Drive, in a Fox4 News report in 2017.  An increased number of drivers on the road are also a contributing factor, according to Anderson.  

Efforts to reduce fatal car crashes 

In an effort to reduce fatal vehicle crashes, there has been an increase in the enforcement of traffic safety laws as the visible police presence is being used as a restraint against impaired driving and speeding. In addition, there has been an increase in media campaigns to increase public awareness of the dangers caused by driving under the influence, drowsy driving, distracted driving and speeding, according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). 

Dr. Mark Rosekind, NHTSA Administrator, says that 94 percent of crashes can be tied back to a human choice or error, so we know we need to focus our efforts on improving human behavior while promoting vehicle technology that not only protects people in crashes, but also helps prevent crashes in the first place. 

What can you do to prevent vehicle crashes? 

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) says to: 

• Slow down.
• Keep your eyes and attention focused on the road.
• Put the phone down.
• Pull over when you are sleepy.
• Don’t drink and drive. 

“If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic crash, contact the experienced legal team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” said Cape Coral Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Cape Coral 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.