The number of fatal car accidents in both Broward and Palm Beach counties is climbing steadily. Many find this alarming because of the recent reduction in all types of roadway fatalities nationwide.
According to the Sun Sentinel,. there were nearly 90 people who died in Palm Beach County through July 31st. That’s up from the 77 recorded during the same time in 2011. The same holds true in Broward County, where more than 105 recorded during this time in 2012 compares to the 87 reported in 2011.
If this trend continues, officials are estimating that the number of traffic fatalities this year will surpass 2011.
But why are there more accident occurring in South Florida? Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers understand that experts cite a number of reasons, including the distracted driving epidemic, the improving economy and the weather.
“I know for a fact distractions play a large role in traffic crashes,” said Lt. Tim Frith with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Many people believe that the biggest contributor to this problem is the lack in distracted driving laws in the state of Florida. As a matter of fact, the Sunshine State is one of the few states left in the country that has not enacted any kind of law to keep drivers off of their cell phone or their text messaging devices behind the wheel. Still, there were about 3,100 people killed in these kind of accidents nationwide last year.
Here in Florida, several laws were proposed in 2011 but lawmakers continue to reject them and allow drivers to do pretty much whatever they want to behind the wheel. Studies show that drivers understand the dangers and the risks that are associated with distracted driving. But still there are far too many who aren’t working to make the changes necessary to help to make our streets safer for all.
Unfortunately, it’s not just the distracted drivers who are hurt in these accidents either. It’s the state’s bicyclists and pedestrians, says Florida Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton. Slosberg knows just how devastating these accidents can be. Back in 1996, he lost his 14-year-old daughter in a car accident that involved a distracted driver.
The truth of the matter is that far too many people are dying on our roadways, and that’s a number that’s only increasing. Drivers are asked to be on their best behavior behind the wheel. Your safe driving habits may be the only thing that can help to bring down these numbers. Stay alert behind the wheel and keep distractions away from the driver!
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a traffic accident, contact Richard Ansara at 954 761-3641 or toll-free at 877-277-3780 for a free initial consultation.
Additional Resources:
Palm Beach counties seeing small increases in traffic deaths, by Angel Streeter, Sun Sentinel
More Blog Entries:
Business Alliance Requests Funds to Better Protect Pedestrians in Fort Lauderdale, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, August 20, 2012
Broward Cycling Safety: New Campaign Working to Protect Riders, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, August 15, 2012