Florida Accident Attorney Blog

Authorities continue to investigate possible causes surrounding a deadly Florida highway pileup traffic accident that claimed the lives of at least 10 people and sent some 18 others to area hospitals with injuries. The multi-vehicle accident occurred in the southbound lanes of Florida Interstate 75 in Gainesville this past weekend.

Witnesses and survivors told the media the pileup crash looked like "the end of the world," as several passenger vehicles collided with large commercial trucks and possibly one motor home. Some cars became trapped beneath the jackknifed larger vehicles and many burst into flames. Reporters allowed to tour the accident site reported bodies still inside charred and smoking wreckage.

Accident witnesses suggested that fog and/or smoke from a fire in the Gainesville, Fla. area dropped highway visibility for drivers, possibly setting off this deadly chain reaction highway accident. Authorities are investigating whether a nearby fire may have in fact been set. Florida Highway Patrol told the media that at least a dozen cars and several large commercial trucks were involved in this horrific accident.

Palm Beach County car accident injury attorneys who work with grieving families and injured motorists are all too aware how traffic on Florida highways can turn deadly in an instant.

Florida highway pile-up accidents, also known as chain reaction traffic accidents or multi-vehicle crashes, are deadly occurrences, which often claim multiple lives. Vehicles traveling on highways who suddenly come upon stopped or crashed cars and trucks -- may themselves become part of the pile-up crash, if they're unable to brake or avoid the pileup accident in time.

Multi-vehicle highway crashes are difficult for emergency personnel including police, fire, and EMS ambulances to respond to. The volume of crashed vehicles makes it more challenging for emergency personnel to get to and assist the victims. Emergency responders reported that the heavy smoke on I-75 at the time of the pileup crash made it difficult to locate victims. Hospitals in the Gainesville, Florida area reported being inundated with injured accident victims.

Other causes of highway pileup accidents may include weather, construction, or obstacles in the highway. Distracted driving may also lead to multi-vehicle crashes -- including when drivers in the opposite or other lanes slow down to gawk at highway accidents (aka "rubbernecking"). Speed may also be a factor in situations where drivers are tailgating or following other vehicles too closely, and someone suddenly brakes or stops on the roadway.

Florida authorities told the media that they are looking into whether a fire in the area may have been deliberately set. No doubt this tragic story will continue to unfold in the days to come, as authorities and investigators continue to gather more information as to the cause of this deadly highway accident.

Sources:

Cause sought for deadly Fla. highway pileup
WSVN-TV.com Jan. 30, 2012

Florida highway pileup kills at least 10 people
Palm Beach Post News Jan. 30, 2012

Related Web Resource:

Wikipedia: Multi-Vehicle Collision (list of other pileup crashes in the U.S.)

South Florida is known for its world-famous beaches, exciting vacation destinations, year-round temperate climates, and culturally diverse cities. Unfortunately, Florida has also made a name for itself as one of the most hazardous states in the country when it comes to driving and pedestrian safety.

Last year a number of Florida cities were named among the most dangerous places for pedestrian traffic accidents. What's more, the Sunshine State was ranked the fourth most dangerous state in the country when it comes to motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities. (See related Florida Injury Attorney article, below.) Now a new study looking at 15 basic traffic safety laws in the U.S. has given Florida fair marks, while identifying areas that need improvement.

The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety released a report titled the 2012 Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws. The organization identified 15 basic traffic safety laws, which they believe all states should have in place to reduce the number of motor vehicle accident injuries and deaths.

These include state laws regulating safety measures and equipment such as motorcycle helmets, seat belt use, text messaging while driving, impaired driving (laws targeting drunk drivers, including use of ignition interlock devices for offenders), Graduated Driver Licensing (for younger, inexperienced drivers -- who present a serious safety hazard for themselves, their passengers and other motorists), child booster seats, and other traffic safety and accident prevention related areas.

Florida was among states that received a ranking of "yellow," meaning "cautious." Those states ranked yellow have 6 to 10 of the key traffic laws on the books, with a primary seat belt law, OR 7 to 13 laws without a primary seat belt law. Other states were ranked "red" ("danger" -- state falling behind in traffic safety) or "green" ("good") depending on the number of traffic safety laws they had or did not have on their books. NO states met ALL of the Advocates' requirements for recommended traffic safety laws.

The Advocates pointed out a number of areas where Florida traffic safety laws could be strengthened and improved, including the adoption of…

• All-rider Motorcycle Helmet Law (to protect from head and brain injury in Fla. motorcycle crashes)


• Several restrictions to the Florida Graduated Drivers Licensing program


• Booster Seat Law


• Ignition Interlock Law


• Ban on Texting while Driving in Florida

Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers know too well from their work with grieving families and injured individuals about the dangers of driving in Florida -- from highways such as I-95 to city streets to back roads, over bridges, on beaches, and along canals. Lives are changed forever, in an instant, when a serious auto accident in South Florida occurs. It will be interesting to see if Florida lawmakers improve on any of the state's existing traffic laws this year.

Related Florida Injury Attorney article:
Which South Florida Cities Made Worst Driver and Pedestrian Traffic Accident Lists for 2011? (Jan. 4, 2012)

Sources:

2012 Roadmap to State Highway Safety: Press Kit (PDF)

Highway Safety Laws Needed in Florida

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety Jan. 11, 2012

Related Web Resource:

The 2011 Florida Statutes:
TITLE XXIII, MOTOR VEHICLES, CHAPTER 316
STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL

A Palm Beach County, Florida car accident made the national news this past Thanksgiving holiday week.

According to media reports, a woman working the Black Friday post-holiday sales at a Target store went off the road while driving home after an overnight shift, crashing into a Florida canal. The media reported that the woman, age 36, may have fallen asleep at the wheel of her silver Pontiac, losing control of her vehicle, which went into the canal. The Palm Beach area car crash reportedly occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning.

News reports stated the woman was able to place a 911 emergency call to police. A nearby Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputy was able to get to the scene and rescue the woman from her sinking vehicle.

Palm Beach County, FL car accident lawyers are well aware of the hazards of drowsy driving -- as well as the challenges of navigating Florida roadways where canals run right alongside. This particular motor vehicle crash into a Florida canal occurred in Pahokee -- a small city on Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County, Florida.

This was not the first victim of a Florida canal car crash that the responding deputy had rescued. The Palm Beach Post reported that Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy Frank Mayo, who pulled the woman from the sinking car, had in fact rescued other accident victims in 1992. At that time, The Post reports, he was able to rescue three of four women whose car had flipped over a guardrail and into a canal off Florida US 441. The Deputy told the press that he had been involved in rescuing additional car crash victims at risk of drowning in Florida canals in the past.

South Florida's vast system of canals snakes through the region, along back roads and highways, including off the Florida Turnpike. Originally built for flood control, they're prevalent in South Fla. counties, including Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Their construction ranges from bridged canals to submerged culverts.

These canals have been the subject of discussion among Florida traffic safety advocates for some time, given so many car crashes in Florida occur each year when motorists go off the road and land in the canals. Sadly, Florida drivers and passengers drown in these canal car crashes, as the cars sink quickly before they can escape or help can arrive and rescue them. The accident victim in this Palm Beach County car accident was fortunate that she was able to call 911 and a Florida deputy was nearby. Additional police arrived on the scene to assist the responding deputy with the rescue. See links below to news stories including videos.

Related Florida Accident Attorney articles:

Guardrails Could Prevent Florida Car Crashes into Canals and Drowning Deaths (July 2011)

Florida Family Missing From Fort Lauderdale Since '99 Found Dead in Van Submerged in Canal Off I-75 (April 2010)

Sources:

Black Friday Worker Rescued From Canal After Losing Control Of Car Due To Exhaustion
Huffington Post Business Nov. 26, 2011

PBSO deputy saves 'Black Friday' Target employee who drove into Pahokee canal
The Palm Beach Post Nov. 25, 2011

Related Web Resource:

South Florida Water Management District

As any experienced Fort Lauderdale, Fla. car crash injury lawyer knows from work assisting clients -- serious and fatal traffic accidents can and do happen anywhere. From busy Florida interstates such as I-95, to state roads and Turnpikes, to city streets crowded with pedestrians, to back roads and roads along our waterways, canals, and beaches. Accidents happen on Florida bridges and drawbridges, too. Our terrain is varied and a challenge to drive, including for tourists.

However when public safety experts look at Florida motor vehicle accident fatality data -- some particularly hazardous traffic circumstances emerge that prove to be more deadly than others. Any guesses what those might be?

Given the speed at which people drive on Broward County, Fla. area highways, one might think the passing lane of Interstate 95 is the most dangerous. Or given the way large commercial trucks dominate Florida highways, perhaps being near one of those could be risky for motorists in automobiles. And what about driving congested Fort Lauderdale or Miami city streets -- that seems dangerous with so many pedestrians and cars clamoring for the same space.

If you guessed any of the above as the number-one spot to get in a serious Fla. car accident, you'd be wrong. Yes, those are potentially hazardous driving locations and situations, but not the most risky for traffic accidents in Florida. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Traffic Safety Facts Florida report…

Of the 2,558 fatalities in Florida motor vehicle crashes in 2009 -- the crash type category with the most accidents was "involving a roadway departure." That year, 1,120 people lost their lives in Florida traffic crashes where at least one vehicle left their travelling lane and crashed.

It might also come as a surprise that of the 2,558 traffic deaths in Fla. in 2009 -- 1,546 were single vehicle crashes -- not multi-vehicle crashes. So while yes, it sometimes feels risky sharing South Florida highways and city streets with so many other hurried drivers, it's the back roads that are in fact the most hazardous.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that more than HALF of all deadly traffic accidents in the U.S. occur on rural back roads. This is disproportionate to the number of back roads in the U.S., which amount to 40% of all roadways. A key factor in the roadway departure problem is curved roads. According to the FHWA,

About three-quarters of curve related fatal crashes involve a single vehicle leaving the roadway and striking trees, utility poles, rocks or other fixed objects, or overturning. Eleven percent are head-on crashes, which are the result of a vehicle entering the opposing lane.

So while some drivers in South Florida may feel relieved when they get off a busy, fast traveling interstate or turnpike -- remember to continue driving cautiously. Back roads are in fact the most hazardous to drive on. Please keep that in mind as you travel in Fla. this Thanksgiving.

Note: For those who guessed South Florida city streets to be dangerous for motorists and pedestrians -- you are right about that. Next to roadway departures, the second most frequent place where a fatal traffic accident in Fla. may occur is at an intersection (or intersection related). In 2009, some 758 people died in motor vehicle crashes at Florida intersections.

Related Florida Injury Attorney article:

Driving Large and Small in South Florida : SUVs Safer, But Compact Cars Risky in Collisions (Oct. 27, 2011)

Sources:

NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Florida 2005-2009

Roadway Departure Safety: A Manual for Local Rural Road Owners (PDF)
FHWA Nov. 2009

The AAA Foundation released a report on the toll fatal motor vehicle crashes take on the U.S. economy, in addition to the loss of life. The dollar averages might be quite startling to those who aren't familiar with auto accident expenses, particularly when injury or death occurs.

AAA reports that the average cost per fatal auto accident is an astonishing $6 million. The auto travel organization arrived at that figure by calculating the expenses of emergency services, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other costs that a fatal automobile crash brings with it. The average cost of a car accident with injury only is $126,000.

AAA also analyzed the cost per person in a community for fatal auto crashes vs. traffic congestion. Smaller-sized communities, such as Fort Myers, Florida, incur the steepest expenses. AAA estimates that the average cost when a fatal car crash occurs in a small city (under 500,000) -- spread out over the population -- is a staggering $1,778 per person. That's nearly six times the cost per person as compared to the financial drain caused by automotive congestion on the roadways; that cost is estimated to be $297 per person in a small community (based on gas expenditures, work delays, and other factors). In a large metro area, such as Miami, Florida, the cost per person within that population for car crashes is estimated at $1,585, compared to the traffic congestion cost of $487 per person--with crashes costing the public three times as much as the cost of traffic congestion.

An experienced Fort Myers car accident injury lawyer knows about the financial costs -- and the human toll -- of any fatal auto crash that occurs in Florida. Families are emotionally devastated when a loved one is killed on a Fla. road, city street, or highway. The financial burden compounds the family's pain, when a loved one is gone and no longer there to provide income for his or her family. In addition, medical bills can pile up and skyrocket if the victim initially survives a serious car crash, but later passes away. There are also unexpected funeral expenses.

Ft. Myers FL injury attorneys assist families in these painful and difficult fatal auto crash cases. An experienced lawyer may help grieving families recover compensation and damages depending on the circumstances and which party or parties may be held responsible and/or liable in the Florida car crash claim or case.

The AAA report drives home the financial costs associated with these unfortunate fatal traffic accident cases. CBS News quoted a statistic from the report, revealing a total cost of car crashes in the U.S. to be an astounding $300 billion per year. That is the financial toll. In addition, the media outlet reported that every hour, four lives are lost on U.S. roadways -- amounting to nearly 33,000 deaths due to motor vehicle crashes per year. That is the human toll. AAA recommends traffic accidents be put to the fore of public safety discussions as a serious public health risk that exacts an unacceptable cost. The numbers tell a frightening story.

Related Florida Injury Attorney Videos:

Fort Myers, Florida accident injury lawyer videos : What to do if you're injured in a traffic crash

Sources:

AAA: Fatal motor vehicle crash costs $6 million
USAToday.com Nov. 2, 2011

Car crashes cost U.S. $300B a year: AAA
CBSNews.com Nov. 3, 2011

Remember the defective tire recalls of several years ago? At the time, faulty tires were blamed for contributing to several serious and fatal SUV rollover accidents in the US.

Aside from the issue of tire defects… SUVs -- aka sport utility vehicles -- were generally thought to be prone to roll-over crashes due to the tall, top-heavy design of some makes and models. Now insurance industry analysts have released reports stating that SUVs are in fact safer today than they were when they first gained widespread popularity in the market.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) believes that improved stability controls have made today's SUVs safer on the roadways. Electronic stability controls help the brakes and the engine work together to keep the auto safely on the road. Deadly SUV roll-over accidents have occurred when the vehicle drivers lost control or turned abruptly, causing the SUVs to suddenly flip over and roll. USA Today reported that,

"The death rate for SUV drivers dropped 66% from 82 per million vehicles for 1999-2002 models to 28 per million for 2005-2008 models."

When an SUV or other auto crash with injury or death occurs, families may consult with an Orlando car accident injury lawyer. An accident attorney who is familiar with Florida laws, the courts system, and the insurance industry is in a position to work with clients in determining whether they may have a case or claim against a responsible party.

Last month, the IIHS released a newsletter article stating reasons for why SUVs pose less of a threat to other motorists on the road today than in prior years: "The researchers attribute much of this change to two things: improved crash protection in the cars and minivans, thanks to side airbags and stronger structures, and newer designs of SUVs and pickups that make the energy-absorbing structures of their front ends line up with those of cars" (i.e., improved bumper design and height).

While SUVs may have become safer for drivers and passengers, today's smaller cars have not kept pace with the SUVs' rate of improvements. A wave of new compact and subcompact cars has hit the US automotive market -- largely due to increasing gas prices and consumer demand to save money at the pumps. USA Today reported that while death rates for small cars involved in crashes has improved, the safety gains do not match those of SUVs:

The death rate for drivers of small, four-door cars was 72 per million vehicles for 2005-2008 models, down 35% from 110 per million in 1999-2002 models.

An IIHS report quoted in USA Today stated that "drivers of small cars are almost three times more likely to die in a collision than in a rollover."

A related article in AOL Autos points out that SUVs and other larger motor vehicles are becoming more fuel efficient —and for Americans who aren't petite people, they provide ample legroom, headroom, and comfort. The AOL report suggests that some full-sized U.S. drivers might simply be too big to squeeze themselves comfortably into micro-sized subcompact cars.

Sources:

SUVs safer than ever, but small cars still perilous
USA Today Cars June 9, 2011

Big and Little (PDF)
IIHS Status Report Vol. 46, No. 8, Sept. 28, 2011

Are Americans Too Big To Drive Small?
AOL Autos May 24, 2011

Have you ever driven on Florida I-95 or another heavily travelled Sunshine State highway -- and suddenly encountered a driver going way too slow, causing other cars to come up fast behind them (posing a risk for rear-end collision) and frustrated drivers to weave in and out of traffic dangerously?

A Miami - Ft. Lauderdale car accident injury lawyer is all too familiar with the devastation one wrong move on a Florida highway can create. Speed is, indeed, a factor in roughly one out of five fatal Florida car accidents (source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Florida). However some lawmakers in Florida have been working to pass legislation that would make driving too slowly in the left lane on Fla. highways a ticketable offense with a hefty fine.

Fox News reported that Florida Senator Michael S. "Mike" Bennett (R - Fla.) wants law enforcers to crack down on slow drivers in the passing lane. The senator told the media outlet that if the driving public were better educated about the purpose of each of the three highway lanes -- i.e., the left lane is for passing, the middle lane is for normal driving, and the right lane is for exiting -- that Florida wouldn't need to expand lanes on so many of its highways. Bennett also wants Fla. police to be able to ticket drivers going too slow in the left lane and obstructing the flow of traffic. If that were the case, Florida would join other states such as Louisiana, Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland where police are allowed to ticket drivers going too slow. (See link to news video interviewing the senator below.)

In April, the Florida Senate approved a bill which would have allowed the ticketing of drivers impeding flow of traffic in the left lane and imposing a fine of $143. However the related Florida House bill (HB 177 -- Motor Vehicles by Democratic Rep Jeff Clemens from District 89) died in the Transportation & Highway Safety Subcommittee. Sen. Bennett's related CS/CS/SB 244 Motor Vehicles / Highway Safety Act also died in messages in May. (See links to Fla. legislation summaries below.)

According to news coverage, some opposing lawmakers voiced concerns that if such legislation passed, some drivers would be penalized for driving within the Florida speed limit -- despite other lawmakers' views that driving too slow in the passing lane itself can lead to deadly car crashes.

In Florida, there is always a concern about our population of senior citizens (including those in retirement communities and nursing homes) and their abilities to continue driving safely. As their physical reaction times slow with age, so too does their driving speed. That could pose a traffic accident risk for them and other motorists on Florida streets and highways. See links to related news stories and other articles and resources, below.

Related Florida Accident Attorney article:

AAA Study Shows Slow Driving Speeds Deadly in Pedestrian Traffic Accidents

Sources:

Driving Too Slow? Get Off the Road (video)
Florida lawmaker wants police to ticket drivers who impede traffic flow
Fox News Aug 30, 2011

Senator: No more left lane slow drivers
MyFox Orlando Sept. 5, 2011

Driving slow in left lane could get you a ticket in Florida
Jacksonville.com April 4, 2011

Related Web Resources:

Florida House of Representatives:

HB 177 to Create a Highway Safety Act

CS/CS/SB 244 Motor Vehicles / Highway Safety Act

Senior Driving: Safety Tips, Warning Signs, and Knowing When to Stop

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that its Child Passenger Safety Week campaign will take place Sept. 18 - 24, 2011. A National Seat Check Saturday event will conclude the campaign on 9/24/11. The campaign is launching to help parents make sure they have the right kind of car seat to protect their children.

As experienced Miami car accident injury attorneys -- and parents ourselves -- we know that child safety in automobiles is a serious concern when driving Florida streets and highways. Having child passengers properly restrained and seated in car seats that are appropriate for their weight and height are critical safety measures. In addition, it's important that car seats are installed and adjusted properly so they protect the children in the event of a car accident.

As part of the NHTSA child safety campaign, parents are invited to bring their cars and child car seats to inspection stations on Saturday Sept. 24, 2011. Technicians will inspect how the car seats are installed and adjusted, to make sure they are safely protecting children passengers. See link below to find South Florida inspection stations, in cities including those in Miami Dade and other Fla. counties.

Some statistics from NHTSA that would give any Florida parent pause for thought before they put their children in their cars, SUVs, or minivans…

> Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14 (based on 2006 figures from the National Center for Health Statistics).

> Every day in the United States, an average of four children age 14 and younger were killed and 529 were injured in motor vehicle crashes during 2008.

> During 2008, 5,598 passenger vehicle occupants age 14 and younger were involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes. For those children where restraint use was known, 23 percent were unrestrained; among those who were fatally injured, 46 percent were unrestrained.

> Child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers in passenger cars. (Source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts 2008 Data : Children.)

Florida Child Passenger Restraint and Car Seat Laws
Florida law requires that children age 5 and younger be restrained in motor vehicles with a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device. Little ones aged 3 and younger must be protected in a separate child car safety seat. See link below to Florida State website with more explaination of the 2011 Florida Statutes related to child passenger restraints and car seats.

A Miami, Fla. accident injury lawyer follows announcements pertaining to automotive and other consumer product safety recalls -- including child car seat recalls. NHTSA maintains a website (see link below) where consumers may search to see if their child car seat is part of or has been part of a safety recall.

Sources:

Child Passenger Safety Week / Seat Check Saturday, September 18 - 24, 2011

Car Seat Inspection Station Locator (search by state for Florida locations)

The 2011 Florida Statutes: Child Restraint Requirements

Related Web Resources:

NHTSA Child Safety portal

NHTSA Child Seat Recall Campaign Listing

Florida Child Passenger Safety & Occupant Protection portal

News media in Fort Myers, Fla. report that a horrific single-car crash occurred during rush hour Tuesday, claiming the life of the driver.

According to media reports, the driver of a silver Ford Mustang spun out of control near the Edison Bridge in Ft. Myers, Florida. The single car crash took place shortly before 9 a.m. in the Northbound lanes. The vehicle reportedly struck some palm trees along the side of the bridge roadway, splitting the car in half. An off-duty Lee County, Florida EMT attempted to assist the driver, however news media later reported that the car accident victim died of his injuries.

Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate this fatal auto accident in Fort Myers, Florida.

An experienced Fort Myers car accident injury lawyer knows that speeding on Florida highways and roadways can kill. Police investigating this traffic accident believe that speed may have been a factor in the driver losing control of the vehicle. The Edison Bridge was reportedly shut down for hours while Florida Highway Patrol investigated this fatal car accident.

Speed Related Traffic Accident Statistics for Florida

The U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a report titled Traffic Safety Facts Florida 2005-2009 (see link below). The report states that of the 2,558 traffic accident deaths in Florida in 2009 -- 535 were speeding related fatalities.

These numbers show an overall decline in motor vehicle accident fatalities in Florida over the last few years: down from 3,518 in 2005 to 2,558 in 2009. Speeding-related car accident deaths also declined from a five-year high of 712 deaths in 2006, to the 535 deaths reported for 2009.

However as Ft Myers auto accident injury attorneys will tell you, even one death on our Florida roads, highways, and bridges is one too many. That death is more than a statistic when it's someone you care about.

Research has also shown that drinking and driving, combined with speed, is a deadly combination. Of the 2,558 auto accident deaths in Florida in 2009, 770 deaths involved drunk driving (i.e., alcohol impaired driving over the legal BAC limit of .08). In addition, 1,546 motor vehicle fatalities in Fla. that same year were single-vehicle crashes.

The state speed limit for highways in Florida is 55 to 60 on two-lane roads and 70 on freeways. Some states, such as New England states, have lower highway speed limits (65 mph), while some Mid-Western states such as Montana, Nebraska, and Nevada have higher highway speed limits (75 mph). It's worth noting that driving too slow can also be very dangerous and lead to serious traffic accidents in Fla.

As we've written about previously, some Florida cities are ranked among the most dangerous to drive in in the country, including Fort Lauderdale (see link to related article below). As always, your best bet is to drive defensively in Florida and within the posted speed limits.

Related Florida Accident Injury Attorney Article:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida Named Most Dangerous City to Drive In : Fatal Car Accidents Happen More Often Here (Aug. 11, 2001)

Sources:

Driver killed in Edison Bridge crash
WINK News Aug. 24, 2011

NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Florida 2005 - 2009

Related Web Resource:

Florida Statutes 2011: Speeding
Online Sunshine: Official Site of the Florida Legislature

Have you or a family member been in a serious motor vehicle accident with injuries or fatality in Ft Lauderdale, Florida? If so, you're not alone. Fort Lauderdale has once again topped a list of the nation's most dangerous cities to drive in. This time, it's been named the number-one most dangerous city in the US for automobile accident fatalities.

CNBC has come out with a new report on the 15 most dangerous US cities for traffic crashes -- based on traffic fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Fort Lauderdale, Florida was named number one, with other Fla. cities also making the list. They include Orlando (no. 2), Jacksonville (no. 11), and St. Petersburg (no. 12).

The report cites a number of factors that may make driving in Fort Lauderdale more dangerous, including senior citizen drivers who may be losing some of their driving judgment and skills; tourists driving in unfamiliar South Florida areas; Fort Lauderdale Spring Break students driving recklessly or driving intoxicated; and transplants from New York who may drive more aggressively. Distracted driving such as texting and talking on cell phones while driving have been cited as other factors leading to accidents by other traffic safety experts.

An experienced Ft Lauderdale car accident lawyer is familiar with the dangers of driving on our busy, crowded city streets. An injury attorney is also knowledgeable about driving laws as they relate to negligence, recklessness, and liability when a car accident with injury or death occurs in Broward County, Florida.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida Traffic Accident Fatality Statistics
Fort Lauderdale is a popular tourist and vacation destination. It's also topped various lists of "Most Dangerous US Cities for Drivers" as well as for pedestrian accidents for the last few years. CNBC reported that Ft Lauderdale has a population of 183,126. The total traffic accident fatality rate per 100,000 population is 22.39 -- the highest in the country. Total traffic accident deaths for Fort Lauderdale were reported at 41 -- and of those, 24.4 percent were pedestrian accident deaths.

By comparison, the overall Florida Traffic Accident Fatality Rate for the state is 13.6 per 100,000 population. That's an average of 7 traffic accident deaths in Florida every day. (Source: Florida Traffic Safety Facts October 2010: Fatalities, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) See links below to additional articles about the risks of driving and walking in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Related Florida Injury Attorney Articles:
Fort Lauderdale and Miami Florida Among Worst Cities for Pedestrian Traffic Accident Risks May 25, 2011

Driven to Distraction in Fort Lauderdale: Is Texting & Tweeting Behind the Wheel as Dangerous as Drinking and Driving? Dec. 14, 2010

Guardrails Could Prevent Florida Car Crashes into Canals and Drowning Deaths July 17, 2011

Sources:

Ft. Lauderdale Tops List Of Most Dangerous Cities To Drive
CBS Miami Aug. 11, 2011

15 Dangerous Cities for Driving
CNBC.com July 29, 2011

How safe do you feel driving in South Florida? Do you feel safer, for example, leisurely driving through West Palm Beach, Florida and Palm Beach County as compared to navigating the congested city streets of Miami or snaking your way through Miami Dade County?

Earlier this week, we reported on how Florida traffic accident deaths have declined in recent years, despite increases in Florida's population. However Florida's number of auto crash fatalities (2,558 deaths in 2009) is still the third-highest in the country (with California and Texas in the number one and two spots, respectively, for most traffic accident deaths in 2009). (Source: Traffic Safety Facts: Highlights of 2009 Motor Vehicle Crashes, NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis, Aug. 2010.)

Automobile accident deaths have been declining in recent years across the USA. But traffic safety advocates, including those here in Florida, say we still have a long ways to go to make driving and roads and highways safer. A recent report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles details traffic fatality trends in our state, including by county. Traffic accident fatalities in South Florida counties in 2009 were as follows (with statewide fatality rates noted in counties that experienced the highest number of deaths):

Brevard County: 54
Broward County: 189 (Rate: 10.8 deaths per 100,000 people)
Collier County: 39
Hendry County: 16
Lee County: 80
Miami-Dade County: 260 (Rate: 10.5 deaths per 100,000)
Palm Beach County: 151 (Rate: 11.7 deaths per 100,000)

Not surprisingly, the counties with the largest populations have the highest number of traffic accident fatalities. Miami Dade County, Florida experienced the greatest number of traffic deaths in Florida in 2009, though that number is down from 336 fatalities in the county in 2005. Broward County experienced fewer auto accident deaths than Miami-Dade County, however the fatality rate per 100,000 people was slightly higher. Deaths were lower but the rate was even higher in Palm Beach County, with 11.7 deaths per one-hundred thousand people.

However, as West Palm Beach accident injury lawyers know too well from working with clients -- Florida traffic crash death statistics don't truly tell the human side of the story. Every number is a person -- a beloved family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker -- whose life was ended in a Florida motor vehicle accident.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles report also sheds light on some of the circumstances surrounding fatal traffic accidents in Fla. counties. For example…

> Do you get nervous driving on two-lane highways, particularly undivided highways? Your fears are justified. Nearly 38% of all fatal traffic accidents in Florida occurred on two-lane highways. 20% happened on six-lane highways and 33% on four-lane highways.

> Drunk driving is a factor in nearly 40 percent of fatal car crashes in Florida.

> Seat belts save lives! The Florida Dept. of Highway Safety reports that in 2009 -- 1,555 traffic deaths of drivers and passengers occurred in Florida vehicles equipped with seat belts. Of that number… 59% or 917 people were not wearing seatbelts.

Florida Traffic Safety Facts : Fatalities 2010 (PDF)
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Oct. 2010

Related Web Resource:

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (homepage)

Related West Palm Beach Injury Attorney articles:

Florida Has Third Highest Number of Traffic Fatalities in the Nation (June 10, 2011)

Going Nowhere Fast : Miami, Florida Traffic Congestion Among Worst in the U.S.A. (June 7, 2011)

When you cruise down Florida I-95, what kind of car, truck, or SUV do you drive? What's parked in your driveway in Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Miami or other South Florida locale? Some Sunshine State drivers may be surprised to learn their beloved auto appears on the Worst Cars on the Road list.

Forbes recently released its annual list of least reliable, under-performing cars, trucks, and SUVs. The magazine based its choices on the vehicles Consumer Reports scored lowest for performance and reliability. Some of the cars and SUVs are among popular American and foreign made models, often seen cruising along South Florida beaches and down city streets. The Worst Cars list includes the luxury SUV Cadillac Escalade, pickup trucks Dodge Dakota and Nissan Titan, sporty SUV Jeep Liberty, and the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.

Just because a car made it onto the magazine's Worst Cars List doesn’t mean it is necessarily prone to auto accidents. Some vehicles were chosen for poor gas mileage and expensive upkeep. However others, such as the ever-popular Jeep Wrangler, have been subject to recent safety recalls (in the Wrangler's case, for an axle problem that could have affected vehicle handling). The Jeep Wrangler appeared on Consumer Reports' Least Reliable list for the last two years in a row. However that doesn't stop Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts from purchasing and driving these off-road vehicles, of which plenty are seen rambling down South Florida's highways and beach roads.

Consumer Reports rates cars, trucks, and SUVs in its April issue (there's limited access to free online information, see link below). This information may be useful to consumers who are thinking about purchasing a new or pre-owned car, truck, SUV, or van. However Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys pay closer attention to cars, trucks, and SUVs that are part of automotive safety recalls. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains a public website where you may search to see if your vehicle is currently or has been part of an auto product safety recall.

NHTSA's Safercar.gov website (link below) lets you search for your vehicle by make and model, as well as for recalled auto accessories such as child car seats and recalled tires. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. car accident injury lawyers stay on top of such automotive product safety recalls. Safercar.gov also provides reports about product research and product safety, related to infant and child car seats, automotive design and safety features, and other topics of interest to Florida motorists.

Sources:

The Worst Cars On The Road
Forbes.com April 13, 2011

Chrysler Recalls 20,500 Jeep Wranglers for Axle Problem
The New York Times March 7, 2011

Web Resources:

Consumer Reports: Best and Worst Cars 2011

Safercar.gov : Homepage

Safercar.gov: News and Information on Buying, Owning, and Maintaining a Safer Car

Related Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Injury Lawyer article:

Florida Cadillac Driver Recall Alert : GM Recalls Luxury Cars for Heating / Cooling and Rear Suspension Problems March 10, 2011

The driver who survived a fatal two-car crash in West Palm Beach, Florida in April has been charged with criminal driving offenses.

According to The Palm Beach Post News, the suburban West Palm Beach car accident occurred on Military Trail. A 27-year-old man from North Carolina driving a Ford Mustang reportedly ran a red light, crashing into a Mitsubishi Gallant.

The driver of the Mitsubishi was killed in the traffic accident and the passenger in the Mustang was seriously injured, according to media reports. The driver of the Mustang has reportedly been charged with one count of driving without a license and causing death and one count of driving without a license and causing injury.

When Florida law enforcement levels criminal charges against the offending driver in a motor vehicle accident, a West Palm Beach car accident injury attorney may advise families on bringing a civil lawsuit. Families may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and medical bills, as well as damages for pain and suffering.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 2,558 traffic accident deaths in Florida in 2009. That's down from more than 3,500 in 2005. But we still have a long way to go to make Florida roads and highways safer, and to curb reckless and negligent driving behavior. Even if an auto accident case ends up in a Florida criminal courtroom, families who've been hurt should consult an experienced Palm Beach County accident injury lawyer to learn more about filing a lawsuit for compensation and/or damages in the Florida courts system.

Surviving driver in fatal suburban West Palm Beach crash charged
The Palm Beach Post News April 12, 2011

Related Florida Accident Injury Attorney article:

What Damages Mean to You in Your Florida Personal Injury Lawsuit

Related Web Resource:

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

Have you ever approached a busy intersection in Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Miami or other Florida city -- only to see another Fla. driver run the red light? Have you slammed on your brakes and said to yourself or your passenger, "Wow, that was a close one?" Unfortunately, traffic accidents at intersections are all too common in the Sunshine State and around the country.

Some states have implemented traffic monitoring systems whereby cameras are placed at intersections to catch drivers who blow through red lights and cause serious car accidents. Florida lawmakers, however, are rethinking Fla.'s use of red light cameras as traffic law enforcement monitoring devices.

According to Florida news reports, the Florida State Senate Transportation Committee voted 4 to 2 last week to prohibit the use of red light cameras -- just one year after passing a law allowing the use of red light traffic cameras. Senate Bill 674 aims to repeal last year's law, which legalized the use of traffic cameras on state roads and mandated a $158 citation for violators. Bill sponsor Florida State Sen. Rene Garcia (R-Hialeah) wants to repeal all traffic cameras, telling a Naples, Fla. news source that that he "believe[s] in the liberties of individuals." The senator told the press that constituents in his district, Dade County Florida, had complained about the traffic cameras.

If you've been in a motor vehicle accident that occurred at an intersection or as a result of another car or truck driver running a red light or otherwise driving recklessly in Florida, Fort Myers car accident injury attorneys may be able to advise you on your case.

Experienced Ft. Myers, Fla. auto accident injury lawyers have knowledge regarding traffic laws designed to keep Florida drivers and pedestrians safe and avoid accidents. Senate Bill 672 to ban the use of traffic cameras must now clear the Senate Community Affairs Committee before being considered by the full Senate.

One year after approving them, Florida legislators rethink red-light cameras
Naples Daily News March 29, 2011

Proposed bill repeals red light camera law
MSNBC.com March 30, 2011

Legislative Update: Four States Advance Traffic Camera Modification Bills
Florida and South Carolina traffic camera bans advance, Tennessee and Iowa consider tinkering with law
theNewspaper.com April 1, 2011

Related Web Resource:

Florida's 511 Traveler Information Systems
Map and Links to Florida Traffic Cameras

Back in January, a news story out of Jacksonville, Florida reported on the tragic outcome of an erratic driving car accident -- one that possibly could have been prevented had the driver been pulled over by authorities and apprehended.

A Florida news source reported that a woman on her way to church in Jacksonville encountered an erratic driver who nearly hit her. She suspected this may be a drunk driver who could hurt himself or other motorists on Florida roadways. Being a good Samaritan, she called 911 and reported the erratic driving to the dispatcher. She even followed the vehicle onto the highway, where the driver swerved into the breakdown lane. Confusion arose as the caller was transferred from the local sheriff’s dispatcher to Florida Highway Patrol and back to local police again, as the erratic driver travelled on and off the highway in a dangerous manner.

The 911 caller stopped following him. Sadly, the erratic driver was killed in a car accident when his car drove into a retention pond in Florida. Other motorists reportedly called 911 to report the driver was swerving, hitting curbs and posing a danger on the roadways.

Families who lose a loved one or suffer injury in an erratic driving auto accident may consult with Fort Myers, Florida car accident injury attorneys to learn if liability is involved in their case.

The Florida Highway Patrol encourages motorists to report drunk drivers, erratic drivers, aggressive drivers, and others who pose a threat on the highways by dialing Star FHP (*347) from their cell phones. Florida drivers may also use that number to report motor vehicle accidents on Florida highways as well as stranded motorists.

Woman Reports Driver Before He Dies
Witness Who Followed Car That Crashed Into Pond Says Response Lacked Urgency
News4Jax.com Jan. 10, 2011

Florida Highway Patrol: Dial Star FHP in Road Emergency

Related Florida Accident Attorney Article:

Distracted Driving Car Accidents on the Rise

Are you among the Miami, Florida residents getting in the car and hitting the interstate to visit friends and family between now and the New Year? You won't be alone.

A Cape Coral, Florida news outlet reports that the AAA anticipates heavier holiday traffic on Florida roads and highways in 2010, including on Interstate 95. The article states that the majority of Floridians traveling for the holiday will be driving their own cars, trucks, minivans or SUVs -- an estimated 4.5 million Floridians on the road. The AAA reports that's a 3.2 increase in Florida holiday traffic compared to the volume in 2009.

As Miami auto accident injury lawyers know too well, the holidays can be a hazardous time to drive in South Florida. Increased traffic volume on I-95 and other South Florida highways and roads -- combined with people in a hurry to get where they're going -- and some merry makers driving under the influence of alcohol -- can lead to serious and fatal car accidents.

A Miami news source reports that AAA Auto Club South wants everyone to make it home safely during the Dec./Jan. holidays. The organization is partnering with Budweiser to offer a free "Tow to Go" program for people who've had too much to drink and can't safely drive home. The program offers a confidential ride home and vehicle tow by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP.

The risk for drunk driving car crashes can rise over the holidays, as South Florida residents attend work parties and family get-togethers, and hit the Miami bars for some holiday cheer. Florida joins Tennessee and Georgia in participating in the AAA Tow to Go program through the New Year 2011 celebration. Drive carefully out there this holiday season.

Travelers, take care: Holiday traffic up
Cape Coral Daily Breeze Dec. 24, 2010

AAA Offers Free Tows To Holiday Party Goers
CBS Miami Dec. 23, 2010

Related Web Resource
AAA Auto Club South (serving Florida, Puerto Rico, Georgia and parts of Tennessee)

If you live in South Florida and have family in the Sunshine State, chances are you'll be traveling by car this Thanksgiving week. From the Florida Panhandle all the way down through Broward County to Miami-Dade, Florida highways will experience the heaviest traffic of the year. More traffic volume -- combined with holiday parties and alcohol consumption -- means greater risk for motor vehicle accidents on Interstate 95 and other main Florida highways.

To avoid Florida I-95 driving hazards and motor vehicle accidents this Thanksgiving, many drivers will be looking for alternate, secondary routes and venturing onto Florida's system of turnpikes. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and officials at Florida's Turnpike Enterprise issued the following Thanksgiving turnpike traveling guidelines to help keep Florida drivers safe:

• Before leaving home, check real-time traffic updates via the new Florida 511 Traveler Information System.


• Check your tire pressure! Improperly inflated tires and defective or aged tires can lead to serious and fatal Florida car accidents.


• Don't drive drowsy! Stay alert and stop for a free cup of coffee the day before Thanksgiving at a number of driver Coffee Safety Break stops on Florida Turnpikes.


• Florida turnpike construction will be suspended during the heaviest Thanksgiving travel times. Highway construction accidents can occur when harried motorists come upon unexpected lane changes, obstacles, and construction vehicles and workers in the road or on the highway shoulder.

Miami car accident injury lawyers consult with families when, despite their best efforts to keep safe on Florida turnpikes and highways -- the unthinkable happens and an automobile accident with injury or fatality occurs.

The best defenses to avoid car accidents include checking the road worthiness of your auto and tires before you leave home; using your seat belts (Florida participates in the Click-It or Ticket campaign); driving defensively; not using cell phones or texting while driving; and of course, avoiding alcohol consumption before you hit the road.

Florida Highway Patrol will be out in force, with roadside assistance from the State Farm Safety Patrol. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Motorist Safety Breaks and Extended State Farm Safety Patrols (PDF)
On Florida’s Turnpike during Upcoming Holiday Season Peak Travel Days
Florida's Turnpike Enterprise News Release Nov. 20, 2010

Related Web Resources

Florida's 511 Traveler Information System

Florida's Turnpike Enterprise

Florida Department of Transportation: Safety homepage

October got off to a deadly start on Fort Myers, Florida area streets and roads.

According to news reports quoting the Sheriff's Office, the following fatal Lee County, Florida auto accidents occurred:

Sat. Oct. 2 after 10 p.m., a Fort Myers, Florida woman was killed in a traffic crash in Lehigh Acres on SR 82.

Sun. Oct. 3 after 7:30 p.m., a man fell out of the bed of a pickup truck and died of a head injury.

Mon. Oct. 4 after 6 a.m., another accident occurred in North Fort Myers, Florida, claiming the life of a pedestrian. According to news reports, the Florida Highway Patrol stated that a fatal pedestrian accident took place near the intersection of Flamingo Dr and Bayshore Rd in North Ft. Myers. The traffic accident victim was brought to Lee Memorial Hospital, Florida, where he died of his injuries.

Lee County Florida Traffic Accident Fatality Statistics

Families may sometimes consult an experienced Fort Myers car accident lawyer, who can work with them to help determine liability in serious and fatal Lee County, Florida motor vehicle accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ranks Lee County, Florida, among the state counties with the highest traffic accident death rates (with more than 56 auto crash fatalities occurring in 2008). Lee County includes Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, and Cape Coral, Florida. (Source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Florida 2004-2008)

In 2008, the most deadly counties in Florida for fatal auto accidents were Miami-Dade County (269 fatalities) and Broward County, Florida (227 fatalities), followed by Palm Beach County (198 deaths).

Two fatalities occur in Lehigh over past weekend
LehighAcresCitizen.com Oct. 4, 2010

Pedestrian dies in early morning accident on Bayshore Road
NorthFortMyersNeighbor.com Oct. 4, 2010

Related Web Resource

Lee County Sheriff's Office

Minor league baseball player Brian Cole, an outfielder from Mississippi and New York Mets prospect, had embarked on a promising career in sports. Then, Cole's young life came to an abrupt end.

According to Sports Illustrated, on March 31, 2001, Cole was driving his Ford Explorer Sport SUV home from spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida. His cousin was riding with him. For unknown reasons, his vehicle veered off the road. When Cole turned the steering wheel to regain control of his SUV, his Ford Explorer flipped several times, ejecting Cole from the vehicle and killing him. Cole's passenger walked away from the Florida SUV roll over accident.

Florida Highway Patrol reported that this fatal Florida sport utility vehicle crash occurred on Interstate 10 near Florida Highway 286, south of the Georgia border and roughly 45 miles NW of Tallahassee. In a lawsuit against Ford, Cole's family asserted that the SUV didn't perform properly and that Cole's seatbelt malfunctioned, causing him to be ejected from the vehicle. In a statement, Ford claimed that Cole had been driving 80 mph.

This fatal Florida SUV rollover accident case was tried in Mississippi twice before the third case was successfully brought to resolution this month. Ford reportedly agreed to a $131 million judgment and settled with Cole's family for an undisclosed sum before the punitive phase of the trial.

Some sport utility vehicles such as the Ford Explorer have made news headlines in recent years due to their tendency to flip and roll over during some traffic accidents. Fort Myers, Florida SUV rollover accident lawyers have knowledge regarding manufacturer liability in cases where vehicle design flaws may lead to deadly SUV rollover crashes.

Defective tires have also been blamed for a number of SUV rollover accidents in recent years.

Ford Motor, family of Mets' prospect settle crash lawsuit
SportsIllustrated.com Sept. 2, 2010

Brian Cole's family wins $131 million suit
ESPN.com Sept. 2, 2010

If you drive a Toyota Matrix or Corolla model years 2005 to 2008 -- your car may be on Toyota's latest recall list.

Toyota Motor Corporation announced last week that it would recall more than one million Matrix hatchbacks and Corolla sedans due to potential for the engine stalling. The problem has been linked to a "defective engine control module" which could lead to difficult starting, shifting, or the cars stalling.

In the past year, Toyota has recalled some 10 million cars, trucks and SUVs for various safety issues -- including sudden acceleration, sticking gas pedals and faulty brakes -- some of which were linked in the news to deadly car accidents.

(See link to Miami, Florida newspaper site below for rundown of recent Toyota recalls.)

General Motors has also recalled the Pontiac Vibe -- a vehicle that resembles the Matrix and was built under a partnership between GM and Toyota -- for a similar problem.

A Miami car accident injury attorney keeps track of automotive recalls of vehicles, as well as car accessories such as tires -- particularly those safety recalls that may be linked to traffic accidents that have injured or killed drivers and other motorists or pedestrians.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been investigating the engine issues in the Matrix and Corolla since late 2009, according to news reports.

Toyota models recalled over stalling problems
MiamiHerald.com Aug. 27, 2010

Key Toyota recalls in the last year
MiamiHerald.com Aug. 26, 2010

Related Web Resources

Toyota Recall Information

Recall Alert: Pontiac Vibe
Cars.com Blog Aug. 26, 2010