The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported approximately 13 car accidents occur somewhere in the United States every 60 seconds. This means there are around 6.75 million accidents each year across the country. Even though not every accident results in a fatality, may cause some type of injury, damage, and the need for legal litigation.
According to the vehicle insurance industry, every motorist is likely to be involved in a minimum of four accidents in their life. Also, novice or young drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than those who have more experience behind the wheel.
The Most Dangerous Times and Days to Drive
Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2019 data, the likelihood of car accidents is higher during certain days and at certain times of the day.
For example, Fridays rank the highest in car accidents at 1.15 million, while the hours of 3 PM to 6 PM, Sunday through Monday, rank the highest with 1.66 million. Not surprisingly, Fridays during the hours of 3 PM to 6 PM have the largest number of vehicle accidents at 303,000. The lowest number of car accidents by day is Monday, and by hours is 3 AM to 6 AM. The lowest rank of car accidents by day and time is Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of Midnight to 3 AM at 25,000.
Dangerous Holidays to Be on the Road
Along with certain days and times being dangerous, it’s also a well-known fact that certain holidays are dangerous. If you are on the roads during these times of the year, the likelihood of being involved in an accident increases significantly.
The top 10 holidays with the greatest car accident fatalities as of 2021 include:
- Memorial Day (the entire weekend): avergae 448 fatal crashes
- Labor Day (the entire weekend): average 445 fatal crashes
- Independence Day (the entire weekend): average 440 fatal crashes
- Father’s Day: average 431 fatal crashes
- Cinco de Mayo: average 419 fatal crashes
- Columbus Day: average 417 fatal crashes
- Mother’s Day: average 402 fatal crashes
- Halloween: average 396 fatal crashes
- Thanksgiving: average 391 fatal crashes
- Veteran’s Day: average 390 fatal crashes
Car Accident Statistics
As you see from the information above, no state is immune to the impact of car accidents. While this is true, Florida has some of the most shocking statistics for these accidents.
The Sunshine State has had around 2,950 traffic-related fatalities as of 2019. This means it is the third-highest state in the U.S. for deaths due to car accidents. Each year, over 200,000 accidents occur in the state, according to the FLHSMV, which means there are more than 500 recorded per day.
Unfortunately, these are just a few of the statistics about car accidents in Florida. Several other injuries occur each day on the roadways in Florida. If you are involved in a car accident that was caused by someone else, you need to understand that you have the right to seek financial compensation. To know what you can recover, it’s recommended that you speak to a Florida, personal injury attorney. They can review the facts of your case and seek legal recovery for your injuries and damages.
You should also realize that no one plans to be involved in an accident when they get on Florida roadways. However, as you can see from the statistics above, it happens more often than most people realize.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
While the causes of car accidents vary greatly from farm equipment to poor road conditions, some situations are more common than others. The most common cause of car accidents in Florida and across the country include:
Drunk Driving
Impaired drivers are one of the most common causes of accidents. Also, if someone is intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, there is also a higher risk of injuries and fatalities because these individuals are typically traveling at faster speeds.
Distracted Driving
When people think of distracted driving, texting likely comes to mind. While this is one version of distracted driving, it is not the only one that can lead to an accident. Countless distractions can cause issues for a driver. Some common distractions include grooming, eating, talking to passengers, using the GPS or navigation system, adjusting the climate control system, and playing loud music (to name a few).
Aggressive Driving
If someone is driving aggressively, it will create a dangerous situation for everyone on the road. Erratic lane changes, following too closely, and cutting in front of people are all examples of aggressive driving leading to accidents.
Truck Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents are responsible for a high number of catastrophic injuries. Also, due to the size and weight of these vehicles, the likelihood of a fatality is much higher.
Drowsy or Fatigued Driving
If someone is extremely tired while they are behind the wheel, they can experience some of the same issues that a person who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol would. Fatigue makes it impossible for a person to react quickly, and they may not be able to remain focused on the road ahead. Driver fatigue poses many challenges for vehicle operators and others on the road.
Speeding
At some point, virtually every driver on the road has surpassed the posted speed limit. While this is true, speeding is a common cause of car accidents across the country. The faster a person travels at the time of the accident, the more serious the accident will be. If excess speed is involved in a car accident, the force may result in serious damage and injuries.
Motorcycle Crashes
When a motorcycle accident involves a traditional passenger vehicle, the likelihood of the rider being fatally injured or severely injured is extremely high. A motorcycle’s structure doesn’t offer any protection for riders or passengers. Also, motorists often find it challenging to see motorcyclists on the road, especially if they are driving while impaired or distracted.
Ignoring Traffic Signals and Signs
Traffic signals and signs are in place for a set reason. They are designed to help control the traffic flow and to let drivers know where they should go and what they should do. If you fail to heed what these signs and signals say, it can create a dangerous situation on the road and result in an accident.
Senior Drivers
Drivers over the age of 65 pose a risk on roadways too. Many seniors are now driving well into their 80s, some beyond this. Unfortunately, mature drivers are responsible for tens of thousands of accidents each year. While these individuals are not likely to be distracted while behind the wheel, issues like failing hearing, eyesight, and slower reflexes lead to an increased risk of an accident.
Many Car Accidents Occur Close to Home
It’s been reported by the NHTSA that around 52% of car accidents occur within just five miles of a person’s home. Additionally, 69% of these accidents occur within a 10-mile radius of the driver’s home.
There is a concern with these statistics. This is because if a crash occurs close to home, additional stress is put on both homeowners and drivers. For example:
- Neighborhoods are often full of bicycle riders, children, pedestrians, elderly, and disabled individuals. If a car accident occurs near a person’s home, it can upset everyone nearby.
- A car accident can disturb the residents of a neighborhood. If too many accidents occur in a specific neighborhood, the home values may drop.
- Serious injuries or fatalities that take place close to home are often devastating for everyone who lives in the area.
- Crashes that occur close to home may cause property damage.
Common Reasons Car Accidents Occur Close to Home
Statistics have shown that there are a few reasons that accidents are so common close to a driver’s home. Some of these reasons include:
Overconfidence
When you drive on a road you are familiar with in a recognizable neighborhood; you may allow your attention and focus to drift. You may believe you can now text or get on the phone because you have driven on the same road so many times. However, as seen from the statistics, just because you are close to home doesn’t mean you are immune to being involved in an accident.
Parked Vehicles
Many people who live in neighborhoods park their vehicles on the street. This is a common practice on all types of roads, including extremely narrow ones. When parked cars are present, the likelihood of an accident goes up. If this happens, determining liability can be challenging.
Impaired Driving
A driver behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may drive anywhere they can, including near their home. Because of this, they can cause serious accidents close to home.
Speeding
Even when you are on a very close street to where you live, and you know the speed limit is just 20 mph, you may go faster. Unfortunately, this is another common cause of accidents close to home. Additionally, if someone is running late for work, they may start to speed to make up for lost time.
Tips to Stay Safe and Avoid Being Involved in a Car Accident
In some situations, you can’t avoid being in an accident. However, some tips can help give you the best shot of remaining accident-free. These tips are found below.
Have the Right Attitude When You Get Behind the Wheel
Quite a few teen-related auto accidents are caused by a big attitude and a lack of maturity rather than knowledge and skills. It’s a good idea to commit to yourself to develop a sense of responsibility when you get behind the wheel. You owe being safe to yourself and the other drivers on the road around you.
Take Steps to Avoid a Rear-End Collision
A rear-end collision is a very common occurrence. It doesn’t matter if you are hit or if you hit someone; it is possible to avoid these accidents. To do this, do the following:
- Stay back from the vehicle in front of you. Make sure you put plenty of distance between you and the vehicle you are driving behind so you can stop in time and safely. If the weather is bad, this is especially important. A good rule is to stay a minimum of three seconds behind the vehicle you are following. If you are in a larger or heavier vehicle, this time should be longer. The time should also be longer during bad weather.
- Be strategic behind the wheel. Make sure you don’t put yourself in a situation where you have to brake suddenly. If someone is driving too close to the back of your vehicle or is not paying attention, then you may be the victim of a rear-end accident.
- Avoid distractions. You must keep your eyes on the road all the time. Do not lose your focus or try to eat, text, or do anything else while you are driving. If the person in front of you hits the brakes suddenly, it will take a second, or less, of you not paying attention to cause a rear-end accident.
- Avoid driving while under the influence or drowsy. You are more likely to make serious driving mistakes in these situations.
Avoiding Accidents When Your Vehicle is Parked
Your vehicle may also be damaged while it is parked. It doesn’t matter if you plan to park on the street or in a parking lot; there are steps you can take to avoid a parked car collision.
One is to make sure you are not parking the busiest part of a parking lot. Try to find a space that is away from heavy traffic, which will reduce the possibility that you will be hit by another vehicle. You should also try to park in the middle of the spot. If your vehicle is too close on one side or the other, try repositioning it. This will help you avoid having it hit when someone else is pulling into or out of the space next to you. It will also help you avoid dealing with dings and dents from opening doors.
If you have the option to park your vehicle in a garage, you should. Keeping it safe while you aren’t driving it should be a priority. For street parking, try to avoid parking close to a busy intersection, other driveways, or tight turns. Drivers who are on the road may not see the parked vehicle, resulting in them sideswiping it as they pass by.
Avoiding Single Vehicle Accidents
A single-vehicle accident may also occur if you aren’t careful. You may collide with animals, debris, or road barriers. You could also experience a rollover if you are driving off-road. Due to the danger of these accidents, it is important to take steps to protect yourself.
- Consider the weather. Make sure you only go as fast as you should for the weather conditions. If it is icy, snowy, or rainy, make sure to slow down so you can stay in control of your vehicle.
- Pay attention to the road. Even if you are the only person driving on the road, you should not text or engage in other activities that take your eyes or mind off what you are doing. Conditions can change instantly, and you must pay attention to stay prepared.
- Avoid driving too fast. Speeding is responsible for around 33% of all accidents that lead to a fatality. It is dangerous, and you should avoid doing it at all costs.
Car Accidents at Intersections
Busy intersections are also common culprits for auto accidents. A distracted driver may not see the signal change or notice vehicles stopping or slowing down to make a turn.
It’s important to engage in defensive driving to make sure you avoid these types of accidents. Take some time after the light has turned green to ensure no one else is moving through the intersection before you go. Also, watch for speeding drivers who are trying to make it through a yellow light. Don’t take chances while you are behind the wheel.
What To Do if You Are Involved in a Car Accident
As you can see from the statistics above, car accidents happen every minute of the day across the country. Because of this, it may not be a case of if you get into an accident, but when. While taking preventative steps is highly recommended, it’s also important that you know what to do after being involved in an accident.
If you find yourself in this situation, be sure to take the following steps:
- Get to safety and ensure other drivers and passengers are safe
- Seek medical attention
- Talk to the police who arrive at the scene
- Collect photographs and videos of the scene if you can
- Collect the other driver’s information
- Collect information from witnesses
- Speak With A Car Accident Attorney Near Me
It is a good idea to contact a car accident lawyer if you believe someone else is to blame for your accident. The attorney can review the facts of your case and help ensure that you recover compensation. The right attorney will provide you with advice and guidance throughout the claims process to ensure that you get the compensation you are owed. Remember not all attorneys are created equal, so it is up to you to find someone who will be able to handle your accident claim. Being informed and knowing about car accidents and how to protect yourself will help you remain safe on the road.
Were you recently injured in a car accident?
Our experienced car accident lawyers at Shiner Law Group are ready to help fight for your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (855) 462-6878 to speak with an attorney for a 100% free consultation.
You may be entitled to seek compensation for medical bills, loss of income, pain, and suffering, and more. Contact our law offices to discuss the legal options that might be available to you following your car accident. The next steps are very important. Let Shiner Law Group help you with your car accident case today.
