Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

New Year parties pose one of the largest risks for Florida drunk driving accidents. While many people know the dangers of driving drunk, during New Year’s, many people still choose to drive after drinking. Part of the problem is that many people drink during New Year’s. Another problem is that taxis and buses tend to be at a premium in the small hours of the new year, meaning that many revelers give up and decide to drive themselves home. Here’s what you can do to help prevent Florida car accidents on New Year’s eve:

1) Consider having a no-alcohol party. There are many family-friendly events planned in most cities and many people choose to throw alcohol-free parties on New Year’s. Not drinking makes it simple to avoid driving drunk.

2) Have multiple ways to get home. Keep extra cash for cabs as well as an extensive list of people and companies you can call for a ride. Keep in mind that many other revelers will be looking for transportation, too, so having lots of options is useful. Consider learning about public bus systems and shuttle services available in your community during New Year’s eve – your local MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) chapter and your local police will know more about such programs.

3) Consider throwing your own party. You can invite everyone you know and either designate a driver or else make room for everyone to sleep over so that no one has to drive home drunk. This solution eliminates the problem of being far away with no way to get home. Another option is to consider attending parties in urban and downtown areas, where there is easier access to taxis, buses, and alternate forms of transportation.

4) Have an option to wait it out. Even if you have plenty of numbers to taxi services and other means of transportation, it can be hard to find transport home after all the festivities. Many other revelers will be competing with you. Therefore, keep a list of local late-night and 24-hour cafes and restaurants in your wallet. If you need to, you can grab a cup of coffee or a snack and wait a few hours until it is easier to hail a cab.

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Florida pedestrian accidents and other traffic accidents are all too common at this time of year. Many more people are traveling in cars, increasing the risks of Florida car accidents. At the same time, many holiday parties mean that more people are making the poor choice to drink and drive. While you cannot control what other people do this holiday season, there are ways you can ensure that you stay safe:

1) Review the rules. The rules of the road, especially if you have new drivers in your family. Car accidents are still a leading cause of injuries to children and minors in Florida during the holiday season, so make sure that your young drivers know the rules – and make sure that they know they can count on a drive from you if they run into trouble.

2) Have several plans for getting home alive. If you have any plans to socialize this holiday season, consider how you will get home. Keep taxi numbers in your wallet as well as bus route information and a cell phone in your pocket. Find out about local shuttle and ride services for the holidays. Know a few places to call when you get stuck and it will be easy to make a smart decision.

3) Create a support group. Call friends and family and have them pledge with you not to drive drunk or distracted this holiday season. Exchange phone numbers and promise to give each other support as well as a safe ride home where possible this holiday season.

4) Consider taking public transportation. Taking a taxi or a train or bus to an event removes the temptation to drive yourself home. Even if you are just shopping, taking public transit or a taxi is often safer and can reduce overall congestion on the roads.

5) Keep your car tuned up. Check the tires, brakes, shocks, and other vital systems of your car. Make sure your car will respond quickly in case you need to act fast to avoid a car collision.

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Florida drunk driving accidents are always a concern at this time of year. Police authorities across Florida report an increase in drinking and driving. Many parties serve alcohol at this time of year, increasing the chances that some drivers will make the bad mistake of driving drunk and potentially causing a serious Florida car accident. No matter who you are, there are things you can do to help avert this type of tragedy:

1) Be a responsible party-goer. If you are headed to holiday events, have at least three alternative means of getting home. If you only plan to call a taxi but the taxis are all busy, you may feel stuck. If you have three plans to get home (such as a designated driver, a friend you can call, or public transit) you are more likely to make the smart choice.

2) No matter who you are, have a plan. You may not think you need a plan because you don’t plan to drink this holiday season or don’t plan to serve alcohol. However, it is impossible to predict when and where you may decide to have a cup of good cheer. Even if you don’t think you will be drinking, have at least three ways to get home. If you have children, talk to them about their alternate routes home, even if they are underage. If your underage children drink, you don’t want them getting in the car with an intoxicated driver. Make sure that they know they can call you and other family members for help.

3) Be a responsible host. If you are hosting a party, make sure that you have alternative means of transport for any guests who may drink. Even if you do not plan to serve alcohol, have a plan ready to help out anyone who brings their own drinks. Refuse to let guests drink and drive.

4) Arm yourself with what you need. To get home safely, you need a plan and you need information. If you plan to take public transportation, for example, you will need a route of the bus as well as a ticket or fare. If you plan to take a taxi, you will need to have a way to pay for the taxi. Having everything you need will greatly increase the chances that you will make the right choice.

5) Take part in the efforts of local law enforcement. Law enforcement authorities often launch drunk driving awareness campaigns at this time of year. Learn how you can take part in and support your local campaign. It could help local authorities prevent more Florida drunk driving accidents.

6) Take steps to avert accidents. If you see someone who wants to drive even though they are obviously drunk, intervene if it is someone you know. If you see someone who is weaving on the road or driving in a way that may mean they are drunk, contact local authorities at once. You could save a life.

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For many of us, the holidays are a very hectic time of year. In addition to the usual round of work and social activities, many of us are contributing to charitable causes, working longer hours, attending holiday functions, decorating for the holidays, hosting holiday gatherings, and more. All of this can lead to sleep-deprivation and fatigue, all of which can contribute to Florida pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents. Numerous studies have shown that fatigued driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Like drunk driving, driving when fatigues means slower response times. Drivers who are tired may fall asleep at the wheel or may simply be too exhausted to notice obstacles on the road. There are many things you can do to help reduce Florida car accidents caused by fatigue this season:

1) Get good rest and take care of yourself. While it may be difficult to fit in extra rest, it is important. You will find that you may be more productive and therefore need less time to accomplish more with some rest. Short naps and good nightly sleeps are important. Exercise and good food can also ensure that you feel energetic and awake.

2) Never combine alcohol with poor sleep. Florida drunk driving accidents are all too common. When drivers drink, they always run the risk of causing a serious and even fatal car accident. However, combining alcohol and fatigue can be an even more deadly combination. Alcohol causes sleepiness, so if you are already tired, alcohol can actually cause you to fall asleep at the wheel.

3) Use a buddy system. Shopping and running holiday errands with a friend or two is not only more fun – it can be safer. Running errands with a friend allows you to delegate or share some tasks, so that you have more time to rest. As well, it gives you an alternative way to get home. If you are too tired to drive home, your friend can take over driving duties.

4) Treat fatigue like drinking. In many ways, to help prevent Florida car accidents caused by fatigue, we all need to make a conscious shift in our way of thinking. Drinking and driving has become socially unacceptable, but many people still feel that they will be “fine” if they drive tired, even though research has proven otherwise. It is safest to treat fatigue the way you treat drinking: if you wouldn’t drink and drive, don’t get behind the wheel when you feel tired.

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There are many medical conditions which require medical clearance before someone with these conditions is permitted to drive. A new study suggests that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be added to that list if communities want to prevent traffic accidents. The study, completed at the University of Toronto by Dr. Donald Redelmeier and a team of researchers found that a significant number of car accidents involving teen boys may be caused in part by behavior issues and behavior disorders caused by conditions such as ADHD.

According to the study, some accidents might be prevented if teen drivers with ADHD and other behavior disorders were compelled to get doctors’ approval before getting their license. According to Dr. Redelmeier, conditions such as ADHD can be compared to conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, and narcolepsy. According to findings by Dr. Redelmeier and his researchers, drivers should have to show that they are controlling their conditions and are fit to drive.

Dr. Redelmeier and his team found that teens between the ages of 16 and 19 who had behavior disorders may have a higher risk of car crashes. Surprisingly, the study also found that teens with ADHD were more likely to be injured in pedestrian accidents involving cars. The study tested 3,421 teens who needed hospital treatment after a car accident. The study followed the teens over a period of seven years and found that 402 of the teens were diagnosed at some point with ADHD while 767 were diagnosed with some behavior disorder.

The study focused on teen boys between the ages of 16 and 19 because this group is the most likely to be involved in vehicle accidents. While this age group accounts for only 3% of drivers, they account for 6% of all traffic accidents. This is despite the fact that teen boys drive less than other age groups and enjoy better health than older age groups.

While the study may suggest a way of preventing Florida car accidents and even Florida pedestrian accidents, there are some limits to the study. Behavior disorders are notably difficult to diagnose, so it was difficult for researchers to ensure that none of the teen boys in the study were in fact not misdiagnosed. As well, the study did not consider whether the boys in the study were the cause of the accident.

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While Florida drunk driving accidents account for thousands of injuries and fatalities each year and while drunk driving awareness campaigns are usually launched during the holiday season, some recent polls suggest that more people are worried by distracted driving than by drunk driving. While no poll has been published about Florida driver’s views, national and international polls suggest that more drivers see texting and driving as a slightly more serious threat to their safety than drunk driving.

This may represent a serious shift in the way we view dangers on the roads. So far, many states have banned texting and driving, although Florida is not currently among that number. Even in states that have banned the practice, experts note that laws are simply not enough. In order to get rid of both drunk driving accidents and distracted driving, society has to make both practices socially unacceptable.

What is interesting about this is that drunk driving has already become socially unacceptable, largely thanks to public awareness campaigns and efforts by groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Public awareness about the topic has increased steadily since the 1980s, and as a result, many drivers see drunk driving as socially unacceptable.

The same process has only begun with distracted driving. This past year, when Oprah Winfrey ran a show about the dangers of texting and driving, the issue received a lot more media attention. As well, advocacy groups dedicated to the topic have been created after families have lost children and loved ones to distracted drivers. These groups have helped raise awareness about the topic and in some states have even helped change legislation. So far, the issue seems to revolve around the use of mobile devices while driving. It is so far unknown whether other types of distracted driving – such as driving while eating or talking to passengers – will also become socially unacceptable.

So far, studies suggest that while drivers worry about the impact if distracted drivers on their own safety, people are not always so willing to put their own mobile devices away. While many drivers believe that distracted drivers are a danger on the road, polls suggest that many drivers do text and drive or talk on their cell phones while driving. Younger drivers, especially, are likely to text and drive, despite the known dangers.

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Many Florida pedestrian accidents, car accidents, and truck accidents are very preventable. Many are caused by risk factors which could be avoided with a little work. Becoming aware of the risky behaviors which lead to Florida car accidents is the first step. Avoiding the risk factors – such as distracted driving, speeding, and fatigue, to name just a few – is the second important step in preventing Florida truck accidents and car accidents. Finally, you may wish to raise awareness about risk factors to convince other drivers to drive safe. Here’s how we can all spread the message:

1) Social media and the Internet. The Internet and social media sites are a great way to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving, the importance of seat belts, and other life-affirming lessons.

2) Safety campaigns organized by law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies routinely establish safety campaigns to remind drivers about safe driving. Most agencies are happy to have volunteers who spread the message. Call your local law enforcement agency to learn about their current campaigns as well as opportunities for public involvement.

3) Public talks and discussion. When Oprah ran a show about distracted driving earlier this year, many people and media outlets suddenly began talking about the issue. While few people have that type of clout, spreading the message on a smaller scale and taking part in discussions about safe driving can save lives.

4) Petitions to legislators. Signing petitions for new laws that would make the streets safer sends an important message to legislators and in some cases changes laws for the better. In many cases, laws have been changed due to a few determined people who wanted to make the roads safer.

5) Pledges among students and drivers. Pledges are another way to make Florida roadways safer. When you take a pledge to stop distracted driving, drunk driving, and other dangerous driving habits, you make the roads a little safer by making your own driving safer.

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When one reads about Florida pedestrian accidents and fatal car accidents, it’s easy to think that there’s nothing that can be done. However, every driver and pedestrian on the roads has several options to ensure everyone’s safety:

1) Become a good driver. Everyone thinks they are a good driver, but most of us have trouble spots and bad habits that can easily lead to a Florida car accident. The only way to find out whether you have any deadly habits is to get the input of a professional driving instructor. An instructor can evaluate your driving skills and can suggest ways to improve your driving. Racing school and defensive driving courses are two other ways to ensure that you are safe on the roads.

2) Get aware. Read up about the latest news and studies regarding Florida car accidents. Find out which intersections and risky behaviors have the highest rates of crashes. Keep up to date about car recalls to see whether your vehicle is affected.

3) Get involved. If you do spot any problems that can lead to a car accident – such as a dangerous interaction or poor lighting along a stretch of road – write to your elected representatives and your local newspaper. Sign petitions to suggest new laws which can make the streets safer for everyone. Join the public discussion and the effort to make driving safe.

5) Become responsible. It all starts with you. When you avoid drinking and driving and swear off distracted driving, you make the roads a little bit safer. When you decide to take a taxi rather than drive distracted, you may be taking a very small step that can help prevent a Florida car accident. Don’t make excuses. Instead, make the right decision to do the right thing. It’s easy to blame the other “bad” drivers out there, but if more people were responsible for their own driving, we’d see fewer Florida car accidents.

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According to the CDC (the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), teen drivers in rural areas have a higher fatality rate when it comes to car accidents than city teen drivers. According to the CDC, the highest fatality rate for young drivers is in Wyoming. In that state, about 60 car accident fatalities occur for every 100 000 people between the ages of 16 and 17. In New York and New Jersey, there are strict laws governing young drivers and these states have low fatality rates for teens – about 10 in 100 000.

In Florida, however, teen drivers seem to have a disproportionately high rate of car accident fatalities. In Alachua County, for example, there are only 22 345 residents who are between 15 and 10 years old. However, the county has seen 27 teen Florida car accident fatalities in five years. In Marion County, there are 15 419 teen drivers, but in the last five years, there have been 40 traffic fatalities involving teens.

Florida has launched a number of initiatives to help prevent Florida car accidents involving young drivers. For example, the Florida Highway Patrol's Teen Driver Safety Week is a state-wide effort to reduce car accidents, distracted driving, and Florida drunk driving accidents involving teens. According to research released by the CDC, there may be good reason to target young drivers. The CDC reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for US teens and Florida teens. One third of deaths among teens occur during car accidents.

Although fatal Florida car accidents involving teens declined 21% between 2008 and 2009, experts say there is still plenty of room for improvement. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, teen drivers have the highest car accident rates of any age group. They are least experienced also most likely to take risks. In car accidents involving teen drivers, careless driving is the most common cause of accidents, followed closely by drunk driving.

Experts say that Florida’s efforts to rein in young drivers have been preventing car accidents involving young drivers. Graduated licensing, seat belt laws, strict drunk driving laws, and laws restricting teens from driving late at night all work together to ensure that teens are less often in dangerous situations which can lead to a Florida car accident. Despite this, however, Florida teens continue to die needlessly in car accidents and continue to suffer serious injuries as a result of car accidents. Many teens with serious Florida spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, and other life-long injuries sustain these injuries in car accidents.

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