Florida distracted driving accidents are on the increase. Last year, there were more than 50,000 distracted driving accidents in Florida. Orange County has the most distracted driving accidents in Florida. Overall, car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. Distracted driving is the second leading reason for car crashes after drunk driving.
Drivers who are calling, texting, scrolling, or even taking selfies while behind the wheel cause nearly 25% of accidents. It’s one of the reasons why there are more than 1,000 car accidents every day in Florida, and 30,000 car accidents a year in Orange County alone. Florida car accidents kill nearly 3,000 people a year and injure more than 165,000.
The finance website MoneyGeek calculated the distracted driving fatality rate for each state by combining distracted driving fatality data from the NHTSA with state highway usage data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. According to them, Florida has one of the highest rates of distracted driving fatalities.
Efforts to Reduce Florida Distracted Driving Accidents
Despite numerous public awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts, inattentive drivers continue to cause Florida distracted driving accidents. Technologists brought us the cellphone and other devices that cause distracted driving crashes, and now they are developing ways to fix the problem. There are several free apps available for your phone that can help you break the habit.
The latest is called “This App Saves Lives.” It monitors cell phone use and rewards responsible drivers with points that can be redeemed for goodies like a free milkshake.
A Silicon Valley startup has created an “intelligent” driver safety system that alerts drivers who aren’t paying attention. Initially intended for use in commercial truck fleets, the system employs cameras and sensors to ensure that drivers do not take their eyes off the road. If the system detects that the driver is not driving attentively, it will emit a series of beeps. The goal is to coach and train drivers to keep their eyes forward and their hands on the wheel.
Teens and Florida Distracted Driving Accidents
Under Florida’s texting while driving law, you can get a $30 fine, but let’s be honest, the law isn’t much of a deterrent. You can still use your cell phone while driving (except in school zones or construction zones), and a first offense will not result in points on your license. One of the reasons Florida receives low ratings from safety advocates is the relative laxity of its distracted driving laws.
Texting while driving, or any form of distracted driving, is negligence. Florida distracted driving accidents cause a great deal of pain, suffering, injury, and loss. Drive carefully. Pay close attention.
Florida Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
If a distracted driver injures you, you’ll want the best car accident lawyers in Orlando. After attending to any immediate medical concerns, the best thing to do following an accident is to consult with an experienced and aggressive personal injury attorney. There could be serious long-term financial consequences that you are unaware of at the time. An insurance company may press you to accept a settlement that appears to be reasonable. However, there may be significant long-term financial consequences that are not immediately apparent.
Consider the Orlando Car Accident Attorneys at the Martinez Manglardi Law Firm. For nearly 35 years, we’ve been helping get justice for accident victims. You can talk with one of our personal injury experts for free. Call 407-846-2240 to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient Central Florida locations.
