Car accidents are a major concern across the United States, and Florida is no exception. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), there were over 400,000 car crashes in Florida in 2020 alone. This alarming number shows that the number of car accidents in Florida has been on the rise in recent years. You can file a car accident claim to recover from the losses caused by the accident. But winning a claim is not an easy task. Navigating a car accident claim process can be overwhelming, but hiring a lawyer who understands the legal process can make it less daunting.

This article will explore six reasons why car accidents are on the rise in Florida, as well as what can be done to reduce the number of accidents on the state’s roads.

1. Population Growth 

Florida’s population has been steadily growing in recent years, which has led to more cars on the road. According to the United States Census Bureau, Florida’s population grew by 2.8% between 2010 and 2020. More cars on the road means more opportunities for accidents to occur. As the population continues to grow, the number of car accidents will likely continue to rise.

2. Tourist Season 

Florida is a popular tourist destination, and the state sees a significant increase in population during the tourist season. According to Visit Florida, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, Florida received over 131 million visitors in 2019. This increase in population leads to more cars on the road and more opportunities for accidents. In addition, tourists may need to become more familiar with the roads and may make mistakes while driving.

3. Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving is a major issue in Florida and across the United States. The FHSMV reported that in 2020, there were over 50,000 car crashes in Florida that were caused by distracted driving. Drivers distracted by their cell phones, GPS devices, and other electronic devices are more likely to be involved in an accident. As technology advances and more drivers use these devices while driving, the number of accidents caused by distracted driving is likely to increase.

4. Weather 

Florida is known for its hot and humid weather, and this weather can lead to dangerous driving conditions. Rain, fog, and other weather conditions can make it difficult for drivers to see and can increase the likelihood of an accident. According to the FHSMV, over 10,000 car crashes in Florida in 2020 were caused by bad weather. In addition, Florida is also vulnerable to hurricanes and other severe weather, which can lead to dangerous driving conditions and increased accident rates.

5. Elderly Drivers 

Florida has a large population of elderly drivers, and this number is likely to increase as the population ages. According to the AARP, Florida has the highest percentage of residents aged 65 and older in the United States. Elderly drivers may have difficulty seeing, hearing, and reacting to traffic, which can increase the likelihood of an accident. In addition, elderly drivers may be more likely to be involved in accidents caused by medical conditions such as heart attacks or strokes while driving.

6. Lack of Infrastructure

Florida’s roads and highways are only sometimes in good condition, and many roads need repair. Poor road conditions can lead to increased accident rates, as drivers may have difficulty navigating the roads and may be more likely to be involved in accidents. Based on Civil Engineers American Society, Florida received a grade of “C-” for the overall condition of its infrastructure in 2020.

Conclusion 

Car accidents are a major concern in Florida, and the number of accidents has been rising in recent years. This trend is likely to continue unless steps are taken to reduce the number of accidents on the state’s roads.