Car Accidents: Worst Times to Drive in Florida

Car accidents are inevitable. After all, in the United States, most families own at least one vehicle that they use for various reasons including traveling to and from work as well as transporting their children. Unfortunately, serious automobile accidents can occur any day at any time.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are specific times of the day and other external factors that can significantly increase the risk of car accidents.

Interesting Florida Car Accident Statistics

Did you know that Florida has the third-highest number of recorded car accidents (following California and Texas) in the U.S.? Numbers don’t lie.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMV), in 2018 there were over 403,000 documented motor vehicle accidents in Florida. More than one of every three crashes (approximately 37%) resulted in injuries, with over 236,000 people injured and over 3,000 killed in 2018 alone.

Over 1,100 accidents occur each day in Florida. Nearly 1 of 4 fatal accidents was caused by a driver operating a motor vehicle in a careless or negligent manner. This includes drivers who may be distracted by passengers or a cellphone.

Beware, South Florida drivers!
Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami Dade counties account for almost 25% of Florida’s car accident fatalities. As the population continues to grow in South Florida, we can expect to see these statistics increase.

Car Accidents At Night vs. Daytime

These days automobile manufacturers are placing more emphasis than ever on keeping drivers and their passengers safe. Modern vehicles are made with a plethora of safety features, but even so, car accidents continue to be a major problem. It’s crucial that drivers remain alert and attentive.

In Florida, more car accidents occur at night. Although there is less traffic on the roads, driving at night in Florida can be incredibly dangerous. When the sun goes down, drivers depend on man-made lighting sources to navigate dark roads.

It can be difficult for some people to see road signs, pedestrians, animals that may wander onto the road, and other vehicles under artificial lighting sources. Depth perception, peripheral vision, and even color recognition are often diminished after sunset, making nighttime driving more dangerous.

Drunk drivers and fatigued drivers are mostly on the road at night, according to a report published by the FDHSMV. Sleep-deprived drivers tend to be on the road during the wee hours of the night. Fatigued drivers have greatly reduced reaction times, which is why they are the leading cause of accidents in Florida.

On the other hand, drunk drivers are also commonly on the road at night, especially on weekend nights. 9:00 – 10:00 on Friday and Saturday nights is statistically the most dangerous time to be on the road in South Florida.

Although natural sunlight makes it easier to see the roads during the daytime, driving during the day comes with its own unique challenges. Morning and afternoon rush hours are the most dangerous for daytime driving in Florida.

During these periods, drivers may be rushing to or from work, or distracted by thinking of the day’s events. Regardless of the reason, these factors, combined with a greater volume of traffic, may result in aggressive or distracted driving.

Accidents Increase In Florida During Holidays

Holidays can be a dangerous time for Florida drivers. Holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve are when people are at the beaches partying, potentially abusing alcohol and drugs. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs creates a serious threat to other drivers.

Casas Law Firm – Skilled Florida Car Accident Lawyers

Were you recently involved in an automobile accident in Florida? It’s important to seek legal help if you sustained injuries and property damage. Our personal injury lawyers have decades of experience in proving negligence and helping victims of automobile accidents get the compensation they deserve.

Contact Casas Law today to schedule a FREE consultation to discuss the details of your case – let us help you!