Florida Accident Attorney Blog

For the last couple years, overall motor vehicle crash fatality rates have declined in the U.S. -- and in the state of Florida. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) projects an encouraging early estimate: Traffic accident death rates from 2009 to 2010 are expected to decline by 3 percent, on a national level.

National safety experts attribute the decline to a number of factors, including more aggressive laws and public awareness campaigns targeting dangerous behaviors such as drunk driving, as well as advances in automotive safety technologies.

In Florida, traffic accident fatalities declined from 2,980 deaths in 2008, to 2,558 deaths in 2009. In the U.S., an estimated 32,885 people were killed on roadways last year. That number reflects the decline projected by NHTSA. However even government and other traffic safety advocates recognize that if your loved was among the thousands of motor vehicle crash fatalities, the gains are of little comfort.

As experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident injury lawyers will attest -- we still have much work to do as a country and a state to make roads and highways safer for all motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. With our heavily travelled and congested highways such as I-95; city streets bustling with traffic, tourists, and pedestrians; and numerous roadways hemmed in by watery canals -- South Florida driving can be hazardous, and deadly. Let's look back at a few of the dubious distinctions Florida achieved for bad driving and pedestrian accident hazards last year:

Florida Ranks Fourth for Worst Drivers in the Nation: An insurance industry study ranked Florida the 4th worst place to drive in the country, behind Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas.

Fort Lauderdale and Miami Florida Among Worst Cities for Pedestrian Traffic Accident Risks: A national public safety advocacy group does a yearly "Dangerous by Design" study examining the most dangerous roads and highways in America. Our own Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida ranked among the most dangerous cities in which to drive or travel on foot. In 2009, a total of 466 pedestrian accident fatalities occurred in Florida.

Florida Pedestrian Traffic Accident Deaths Up: Report Cites Technology Distractions: Used to be you'd walk down a South Florida city street and see tourists looking up at tall buildings and palm trees, admiring the scenery and landmarks. Now seems like everyone is looking down at their iPhones, Androids, and other hand-held devices. It's a dangerous practice for pedestrians: The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported that distracted pedestrian traffic accidents are on the rise: "…in 2009, four high-population states with large urban centers – California, Florida, Texas and New York – together accounted for 41% of the nation's pedestrian fatalities."

Please continue to visit our Florida Accident Attorney blog for more articles on Florida traffic safety, motor vehicle accidents, tire and other automotive product safety recalls, and other personal injury related topics. Have a happy New Year. Be safe on Florida highways and city streets.

Sources:

2011 DOT Year in Review: NHTSA safety record shines
U.S. Dept. of Transportation Blog Jan. 3, 2012

NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Florida: 2005 - 2009
NHTSA.gov Collected Jan. 4, 2012

Related Web Resources:

Traffic laws for pedestrians and drivers to know
Florida Department of Transportation