At the very least, a car accident results in some vehicle damage. But unfortunately, other collisions in Florida are far more violent, resulting in serious and fatal injuries to drivers and their passengers. That leads many people to wonder: “What are the odds of dying in a car crash in the Sunshine State?”
According to the National Safety Council, you have a one in 107 chance of dying in a motor vehicle collision in the United States. But Florida has one of the highest crash rates in the nation. It’s essential to exercise caution on our roads.
Fatal Car Crash Statistics Breakdown
According to the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, a total of 401,768 accidents occurred across Florida in a recent year. Of these accidents, 2,951 crashes resulted in a total of 3,185 fatalities.
Alcohol was involved in 351 fatality crashes that year, while 348 crashes involved drug impairment. An additional 309 fatal crashes involved both alcohol and drugs.
Data also shows that young drivers are at a particularly high risk of death in Florida car crashes. Drivers between 15 to 17 accounted for 20 fatalities in a recent year. Another 103 were 18 to 20-year-olds. Overall, drivers aged 21 to 24 accounted for the most fatalities among young motorists, with 172 deaths.
Common Causes of Death in a Car Crash
Some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents include:
- Speeding
- Failure to use seat belts
- Reckless driving, such as excessive speed, racing, or weaving in and out of traffic
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Tailgating
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving, especially cell phone use behind the wheel
- Road rage
- Failure to obey traffic signs or signals
Factors that Increase the Likelihood of Death
Circumstances or factors that contribute to increased fatality rates in car accidents include:
- Age: While young drivers have the highest risk of fatalities in car accidents, the risk of death begins to go up again when motorists reach their 70s.
- Poor driving behavior: Speeding, making illegal maneuvers, and misjudging the flow of traffic all contribute to a likelihood of being involved in a fatal car accident.
- Driving under the influence: Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of being involved in a deadly car accident. In many of these collisions, both the intoxicated driver and other drivers are at risk of death.
- Driving distance: The more you drive, the higher the risk of being involved in a fatal car accident.
- Type of collision: Multi-vehicle car accidents are more likely to involve fatalities.
Our Car Accident Lawyers in Florida Can Help You Get Compensation for Your Losses
If a family member died in a collision in Florida, an experienced wrongful death attorney at Brooks Law Group can help you demand justice and compensation for your loss. While no amount of money can make up for a beloved relative’s death, we can help you seek accountability and a measure of closure. Call or contact us for a free consultation today.
