Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Subaru is recalling 275,000 Foresters, due to a problem with the SUVs locking retractors for the seatbelt systems. According to Subaru, the recall affects Foresters with model years between 2009 and 2012. The problem seems to be that the automatic locking retractor installed in the rear seats of some models may not allow for child safety seats and may not adhere to locking requirements. So far, Subaru has not noted whether any injuries have been caused by the problem.

It is expected that the recall should be launched by the middle of April. Subaru will be replacing the seat belt assembly for the rear center seat belt on all affected models with a new automatic locking retractor gear and with new seat belts that have shorter lengths. Customers and dealers will be notified of the recall and will be given instructions at that point for replacing the system. Due to the number of vehicles involved, the recall will occur in stages. Some owners may need to wait until 2013 to have the problem fixed.

The recall highlights the importance of seat belt safety in preventing North Miami Beach car accidents. Seatbelts are one of the most important safety features in any car – even given the new safety features available on newer models of cars – because seatbelts and safety belts help keep passengers and drivers safely in the car during a North Miami Beach traffic accident. Without a seatbelt, passengers and drivers are likely to be thrown about the vehicle or even ejected from the vehicle, which often leads to serious North Miami Beach brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and fatal or permanent injuries. Most experts agree that wearing a safety belt is one of the easiest, simplest, and most effective ways to prevent serious injuries in a car accident.

However, despite the importance of seatbelts, they are not without their drawbacks. Safety defects – such as potentially the one affecting Subaru – can mean that safety belts do not work as expected in an accident. In this situation, it is possible for passengers and drivers to sustain serious or permanent injuries. When this happens, however, Florida law does protect victims. Victims who have been injured due to a safety belt defect can often seek legal action against car manufacturers who knew about the defect but failed to act in time.

Seatbelts may have other issues, even if they are not defective. For example, seatbelts are only meant to work for adults. Children can be seriously injured by a seatbelt, as it can cut into the neck, shoulder, and abdomen area of a child. For this reason, it is important to always let children sit in the backseat and to always use age-appropriate child safety restraints instead of seatbelts when children are passengers in a car. Adults who are below average height may also wish to consider how seatbelts fit them. In some cases, adults below average height can also have problems during a car accident if the seatbelt cuts into their chest, back, or facial area, causing injuries. It is important for adults to carefully adjust their seat and seat belt so that it fits correctly.

Continue reading "Seatbelts Can Cause Injuries in North Miami Beach Car Accidents" »

The statistics surrounding the risk of car accidents in Miami and other major Florida cities can be frightening. For example, did you know…

1) There were more than 43 000 Miami Dade County car accidents in 2008 alone, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. That means 118 accidents daily in just that one county. The accidents also had a high cost that year, causing 271 fatalities. In 85 of the fatal car accidents in Miami Dade County, alcohol was a cause of the accident, again underscoring the risks of Miami drunk driving.

2) Miami Dade County experienced an especially high rate of serious car accidents in the early part of the 2000s, with 51, 132 road accidents in 2002 and 54, 519 Miami Dade traffic accidents in 2001. After 2001, the number of accidents began to decline, but tens of thousands of accidents still occur across the county every year.

3) While Miami Dade County has many large cities, including Hialeah, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, Homestead, Miami Beach, North Miami, South Miami, and others, Miami is the city that sees the largest number of car accidents. Miami car accidents account for up to a quarter of all accidents in the County some years.

4) A significant number of Miami car accidents are Miami drunk driving accidents. Statistics show that in 2005, 4.63% of traffic accidents were related to alcohol. In comparison, 2.12% of traffic accidents across Miami Dade County were linked to alcohol consumption that same year.

5) Miami Dade County has significant rates of most types of traffic accidents. While the statistics about Miami traffic accidents are sobering, the County sees quite a number of different types of accidents. In 2005, there were eight fatal Miami Dade bicycle accidents, 81 fatal pedestrian accidents, and 45 fatal Miami Dade motorcycle accidents as well. In addition to these fatalities, many more residents were injured in these types of accidents but survived their injuries. Across Florida that year, more than 1000 people were injured in pedestrian accidents and more than 400 people were injured in bicycle accidents. Unfortunately, Florida has earned a reputation as a state with a high number of bicycle accidents.

Knowing about the statistics can be useful for Florida drivers and pedestrians. If you live, work, or travel to Miami or the surrounding areas, knowing your risks is important. While you cannot prevent every accident, there are many things you can do to stay safe. Getting adequate driving training, staying distraction-free, and following the rules of the road are all important first steps. Authorities agree that many car accidents across the country are preventable. Driving safely and responsibly can keep you and your loved ones safe.

Continue reading "Florida Car Accidents: A Look at the Statistics " »

Florida residents love their pets, but when those pets are loose in a car, they can easily contribute to deadly traffic accidents. According to the organization "Paws to Click," one accident occurs every 18 minutes in this country because there is a pet loose in the vehicle, distracting the driver. About 30 000 accidents in the US each year are caused by dogs alone. According to the same source, one in five drivers admit to driving with a dog on their lap. While Florida does not have any regulations requiring pet owners to restrain their pets in a vehicle, it is the safest and most humane option.

While dogs are lovable creatures, when they are left loose in a car, they can cause a great deal of distraction to the driver. The dog may begin chewing the upholstery or may try to dig under the seats. Some dogs get motion sickness and vomit in the car. Many dogs like to hang out the window, which puts them at risk of falling out of the window or getting debris in their mouth or eyes. Many dogs also enjoy jumping all over the car, getting underfoot, or placing their paws on the steering wheel. All of these distractions can become deadly for the driver – and for the drivers of other vehicles nearby.

Another tragic consequence of allowing pets loose in a car is that they become victims in the event of a car accident. If you are in a car accident in Florida and are holding your dog in your lap, your dog will likely be killed due to the impact of the airbag inflating in front of you. As well, if a pet is unrestrained and you are in a collision, that pet becomes a projectile which can harm you in an accident. If your pet is airborne during an accident, they will likely impact and this will prove fatal. Placing your pet in a carrier or appropriate restrains can help prevent an accident, and can also save your pet's life.

There are many ways to safely restrain your pet in your car. There are booster seats, car seats, and seat belts made for dogs. These items are inexpensive, widely available, and allow your dog to look out the window while staying safer. It is important to place your dog in restraints in the back seat of the car, where airbags will not harm your pet in the event of an accident. All other animals should be placed in carriers or crates in the back seat of the car. Crates and carriers are also available for dogs.

Continue reading "Pets Can Cause Florida Car Accidents" »

While getting that driver's license for the first time is a thrill and a sign of freedom for most teen drivers, there is mounting evidence that some drivers are abusing their driving privileges and using their cars to perform stunts that can easily lead to Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 70% of participants in car stunts are young male drivers and the number of accidents resulting from vehicle stunts seems to be growing. The most popular stunts include:

1) Car surfing. In this stunt, a passenger rides on top of the car, on the running boards, or on the bumper while the car is in motion. In some cases, someone hangs outside of the vehicle while the car is driving. Some drivers speed up or go at increasingly higher speeds while car surfing. According to the CDC, car surfing alone has resulted in almost 100 fatalities. Those who "surf" on cars can easily lose their grip and fall onto the road or crash into overhanging branches or other objects.

2) Ghost riding. In this stunt, a passenger dances or stands on the outside of the car while a driver drives the vehicle, often at increasing speeds. This stunt is dangerous because the person on the exterior can easily lose their balance and fall off. It's a simple way to become a Florida spinal cord injury patient and a simple way to sustain fatal injuries.

3) Skitching. This stunt mimics windsurfing: while the vehicle is in motion a passenger uses a rope or some other means to be dragged along behind the car on roller skates, roller blades, skateboard, or scooter. This can easily lead to collisions and pedestrian accidents if the person behind the car swings out of control. As well, the person behind the car can easily lose their grip or fall under a vehicle.

While these stunts are no doubt meant to be innocent fun, they are anything but. They can cause serious injuries and death. They can also lead to serious charges against any driver who partakes in such activities. Unfortunately, these stunts are often popularized on YouTube and other social media websites, making them seem fun for young drivers.

Continue reading "Car Stunts Can Mean More Florida Car Accidents, Especially Among Younger Drivers" »

Sen. Mike Bennett from Bradenton has introduced a new bill which would allow Florida drivers to get ticketed for driving too slowly in the left lane. According to proponents of the bill, slow drivers in the left lane contribute to Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents by creating traffic problems and instigating road rage that leads to aggressive driving.

According to statistics, drivers who drive too slowly in the left lane cause traffic delays, which then causes other drivers to become more aggressive in order to pass them. Slow drivers cause other drivers to speed up and weave around them experts say, creating unsafe conditions for everyone. Supporters of the bill say that the new law would make drivers more courteous.

Those who oppose the bill say that the law would punish law-abiding drivers. Some opponents also note that the real danger in most situations are speeding drivers and aggressive drivers – not drivers driving at or below the speed limit. Some opponents claim that the law sends the wrong message – to speed up rather than slow down – while other opponents claim that the law is just another way to ticket drivers.

Under current Florida legislation, drivers can only drive in the left lane when passing. However, this rule is not strictly enforced. Opponents of the current bill note that the new law would not be needed if the current legislation were better enforced. If the new bill does pass, it could become law as early as July of this year. Under the new law, drivers caught going too slowly in the left lane would get a ticket and fine of $143.

No conclusive studies have been done to determine whether reducing slow drivers in the left lane would reduce Florida car accidents. Supporters of the new bill note that it is just common sense to ticket drivers who are breaking current legislation and driving in the left lane. Opponents of the bill believe that the new law might not help prevent Florida car accidents.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 2430 fatalities in 2010 caused by Florida car accidents. This represents the smallest number of fatalities seen since 1978, even though the population of Florida has grown significantly since that time. However, while these numbers are cheering, the fact is that there are still too many deaths and serious personal injuries resulting from Florida traffic accidents. There are ways to help reduce these numbers even further:

1) Enact texting bans. Many legislators and experts have been calling for a text ban for drivers. Many states already have such bans in place to help prevent distracted driving. There is a well-established link between distracted drivers and accidents. According to the NHTSA, 448 000 people were injured and 5474 were killed in 2009 due to distracted driving. Of these injuries and fatalities, 24 000 injuries and 5474 fatalities were linked to cell phone use by a driver. However, the measure to ban texting has proven controversial. Currently, there are two bills which could be considered by Florida legislature: H.B. 79 and S.B. 158. Both would limit or ban the use of wireless devices in cars.

2) Encourage more public awareness campaigns and enforcement campaigns. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, increased seat belt use (due in part to public awareness campaigns) and efforts by law enforcement are partly responsible for the lowered Florida car accident fatality rates. Encouraging enforcement and public awareness can hopefully help to drop the numbers of injuries and deaths even more.

3) Enforce drunk driving laws. Florida drunk driving accidents are still a serious problem. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 770 out of 2558 Florida car accident fatalities in 2009 were the result of drunk driving. Only Texas and California had higher rates of drunk driving fatalities.

4) Better training. A number of studies have suggested that graduated licensing and other programs designed to encourage additional driver training ensure that all drivers on the roads have the skills needed to stay safe. Ensuring that teens and young drivers get more training can help reduce accidents involving younger drivers.

Continue reading "Making Florida’s Roads Safer and Preventing Car Accidents" »

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the number of fatal Florida car accidents in 2010 represented a thirty-year low, even though the population of the state has doubled. In 2010, Florida saw a 5% decrease in fatal car accidents, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. 2009 saw 2,563 fatal Florida car accidents while 2010 had only 2,430.

Despite the good news, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles warns that car accidents are still the leading cause of death for Florida residents between the ages of 5 and 34. Despite this, experts at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles believe that a number of factors have caused lower numbers of accidents:

1) Seat belt use. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more motorists are using seat belts. This is key in preventing fatal car crashes, according to experts, since seat belts help prevent serious Florida brain injuries and spinal cord injuries in an accident, making accident victims more likely to survive accidents.

2) Stricter laws. Florida has passed many new laws over the past thirty years to help prevent Florida drunk driving accidents and other types of accidents. Penalties for DUI, for example, have increased while new laws have been implemented to help stop aggressive driving and dangerous driving.

3) Awareness programs. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as well as local law enforcement have a number of awareness programs to raise knowledge about seat belt use, drunk driving dangers, and other important driving rules. Awareness programs are important in reminding drivers to stay safe. In many cases, law enforcement agencies combine awareness programs with enforcement programs designed to catch and remove dangerous drivers from the roads.

Continue reading "Did Seat Belt Use Mean Fewer Florida Car Accidents in 2010?" »

Some universities in Florida and across the country are starting awareness campaigns to warn student drivers about the dangers of distracted driving in a bid to reduce the number of Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents. Campaigns such as the “Put Down Ur Cell Fone” campaign try to raise awareness among the students about distracted driving through on-campus signage and demonstrations. The message is clear: to reduce your risk of causing a Florida pedestrian accident or car accident, put away your cell phone when getting behind the wheel of your car.

Targeting student drivers may be a smart move, since according to some studies, drivers under the age of 20 have the highest number of drivers who routinely drive distracted. According to some statistics, up to 16% of under-20 drivers drive distracted. The dangers of this type of behavior are well documented. A study by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis found that 6% of all car collisions are related to cell phone use. Cell phone use causes 636, 000 car accidents each year, and these accidents result in 330 000 injuries and 2 600 fatalities.

Cell phones are not the only danger. According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute 65% of near-accidents and 80% of all car accidents involve a driver who was distracted by some activity within three seconds of the collision or near-miss. Distracted driving can include texting, cell phone use, talking to passengers, adjusting music, searching for an item, eating, drinking, applying makeup, and any number of other activities. Researchers are very clear: don’t attempt to multitask while you drive.

Some states have banned texting while driving, but Florida so far has not taken that step. Nevertheless, law enforcement would like to see drivers voluntarily putting their mobile devices away when driving. Any distractions take away your focus and your eyes from the road. Even if this happens for only a few seconds, that is more than enough time for a Florida car accident to take place.

Distracted drivers face penalties for reckless driving. As well, if someone causes a crash because they have chosen to drive distracted, they can be held liable for the accident and can be sued. Insurance rates for such drivers also tend to increase. It is smartest – and safest – to put your entire focus on the road while driving.

Continue reading "Distracted Driving a Concern for Law Enforcement Trying to Halt Florida Car Accidents " »

The tradition of beach driving may be costing lives. According to experts, beach driving leads to many Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents each year. Between 2005 and 2010, 45 Florida pedestrian accidents took place on Volusia County beaches alone because someone was driving a vehicle on the beach. According to experts, beach driving leads to about 6% of Florida pedestrian accidents. This year, Volusia County Council has hired a consultant to review beach safety and beach driving to determine whether there is any way to reduce the number of beach accidents involving cars and vehicles.

A review by the News-Journal, a local newspaper, found that in many Florida car accidents and vehicle accidents on the beach, pedestrians were in fact lying down or sitting down on the beach, potentially making them less visible to drivers. In about one-third of cases, drivers were backing up when the accident occurred, suggesting that in many cases the pedestrian was simply not seen by the driver in the rear-view mirror.

As well, according to the newspaper, about half of Florida car accidents on the beach take place during March and July, the months when beaches are busiest. This may mean that simply changing the rules or laws during these two months can significantly reduce the instances of Florida pedestrian accidents on the beaches. Volusia County Council has also considered adding more car-free zones and more signage on the beach to prevent accidents.

Exerts claim that one of the problems is that the beach is a constant intersection. Most Florida car accidents occur at intersections, simply because these are the points where conflict can most easily take place. On a beach, however, the flow of people and vehicles is constant, creating almost endless points of conflict. At the same time, experts note that more people on beaches are bitten by sharks than injured in collisions with vehicles.

Some suggestions for improving beach safety also include creating completely separate areas for sunbathing and driving. This will help ensure that people who are lying down and people who are driving are simply not in the same area. Some experts have also suggested that parts of beaches should be completely closed down during times when the beaches are busy to allow for better supervision. However, for families who have lost children or loved ones to beach pedestrian accidents want cars banned entirely from beaches, saying it is too unsafe for pedestrians and vehicles to share the same space.

Continue reading "Florida Car Accidents on Beaches Linked to Tradition " »

The U.S. Department of Transportation has released new statistics showing that the number of fatal Florida car accidents is lower. Fatal car accident rates are also dropping in Georgia and nationally, even though the number of miles Americans drive is actually increasing. This has led many experts to weigh in on why the rate of accidents seems to be dropping. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, car accident fatalities in 2009 have declined to 1.13 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles, compared to 2008’s 1.26 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven. During the same time period, the total car miles driven in the US increased by 0.2%.

Fatal Florida car accidents have dropped even more than the national rate. Between 2008 and 2009, the number of Florida traffic accident fatalities decreased by over 400 deaths. The drop has many questioning whether the decrease is permanent, cyclical, or related to a specific set of factors. The numbers, while welcome, have many people questioning the cause of the decrease. Some federal officials claim that the change is permanent. Other possible reasons for the good news might be:

1) A poor economy. Some experts believe that fewer people are driving often due to less expendable income. With less money, experts argue, fewer people are traveling or going on unnecessary trips and fewer people on the roads means fewer car accidents.

2) Better drivers. An administrator with the National Highway Transportation Safety believes that drivers are getting the message from public service announcements and are taking better precautions, such as wearing seatbelts and choosing not to drive under the influence.

3) Less driving. At least one Florida’s sheriff’s department claims that Florida car accidents are decreased because fewer are driving. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Transportation, in Florida the number of vehicle miles driven in 2009 decreased by 2%. With fewer people driving in the state, it is possible that some Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents are simply being avoided.

4) Safer cars. Both car manufacturers and some police departments believe that safer cars may be contributing to fewer fatalities in Florida car accidents. Passenger side airbags, for example, are now standard in many newer vehicles, possibly meaning fewer Florida brain injuries in collisions and therefore fewer fatalities.

5) Laws. New laws are being developed all the time to make Florida safer. For example, as of July 2009, a new primary seat belt allows police to pull over Florida drivers for not wearing a seat belt. Prior to that new law, police had to pull over drivers for another reason and could not pull over a motorist just for not wearing a seatbelt. As well, Florida has a tough law for motorists with multiple accidents. Any Florida driver who has three or more at-fault car accidents within a three year period is required to take driving school in order to brush up on their driving skills.

Continue reading "Are Florida Car Accident Rates Slowly Dropping?" »

According to new statistics, Florida streets and the nations streets may be becoming safer in some ways – despite the continued presence of Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents and despite the fact that there are more drivers on the road than ever before. According to new statistics, there are five times as many motorists in the US as there were six decades ago. However, 2009 saw fewer deaths than there have been since the 1950s.

Experts agree that there has been a change. About 14 years ago, many people did not wear seat belts – a factor that helps to prevent many Florida brain injuries and fatalities in Florida car accidents. As well, two decades ago, cars were made with fewer safety features for passenger safety, experts note. Even in cases where a vehicle was not damaged, fatalities could result.

Today, car manufacturers are paying more attention to passenger safety. Features such as anti-lock brakes, skid control, brake force inhibitors, electronic brake distribution, airbags, and other safety features protect passengers in a collision and offer the driver more control of the vehicle in an accident, helping to prevent some Florida car accidents. Features such as airbags can help prevent Florida brain injuries and fatalities, even in a more serious accident. With safety standards and rating widely published, and with more consumer awareness about car safety, car manufacturers are in fact competing with each other to introduce more safety features.

It’s not just car manufacturers who are trying to prevent Florida car accidents. In the past twenty years, laws regarding drunk driving accidents, DUI, speeding, and other violations have become more stringent. As well, Florida has hired more officers over the years in order to enforce traffic laws more fully.

The focus on safety appears to be paying off. Fatal Florida car accidents have decreased almost 30% since 2005. The number of fatal Florida drunk driving accidents has also decreased 15% between 2008 and 2009. In 2009, Florida traffic deaths dropped for the fourth consecutive year. While there are still many preventable Florida traffic accidents and personal injuries, the statistics suggest some movement in the right direction.

Beach driving is a Florida tradition – but one that can easily lead to Florida car accidents and serious injuries. Beach driving involves the practice of driving on packed beach sand, often on public beaches with plenty of beachgoers. The result, not surprisingly, can lead to Florida pedestrian accidents and serious injuries.

The practice is long-lived. As early as the first Ford models, drivers were using hard-packed sand at Florida’s beaches to drive. In the 1930s, even races were held on Florida’s beaches, a practice that was not stopped until 1960. Not surprisingly, numerous Florida personal injuries resulted in lawsuits over the practice. Environmentalists have also filed lawsuits against beach drivers, hoping to preserve sea turtles. Homeowners with waterfront properties have also tried to take beach drivers to court, hoping to preserve their beachfront properties.

Today, many beaches prohibit beach driving, however the practice is not officially illegal on all of Florida’s beaches. As well, the results of lawsuits have been mixed. This year, a judge ruled against a New Smyrna Beach, deciding that beach driving did not infringe on the homeowner’s property rights. Softer sand and environmental changes have also meant that in some Florida areas, beach driving has simply become unfeasible.

New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach still permit beach driving, but St. Augustine beach has banned the practice following a tragic accident ten years ago. Volusia County also still permits beach driving, but has posted signage advising drivers to stick to the 10 mph speed limit at all times.

Beach drivers interested in taking their cars onto a beach would do well to travel during less busy days at the beach. Busy beach days mean lots of children playing on the beach – and young children may simply not be aware of the dangers of playing near a car. Obeying the speed limit and driving with extra caution are also important to prevent a tragedy.

Parents with young children might want to check beach driving regulations before heading to a beach. Beaches that do not permit beach driving are often safer for very young children, who are more likely to be injured by a car on a beach.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the number of intentional Florida car accidents is on the rise as more people try to commit insurance fraud. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported earlier this year that intentional Florida car accidents jumped to 1, 999, an increase of 58%, in 2009. In Tampa, Florida, alone, staged Florida car accidents quadrupled, up to 487 incidents.

In the past, South Florida cities such as Miami tended to have the highest rates of accidental car accidents in Florida, but now Tampa appears to be in the lead as fraudsters target that area. In many fraud cases, motorists deliberately get into single-vehicle crashes in order to make fake medical claims. However, in other cases, motorists intentionally bump into another vehicle in order to make claims against the other driver’s insurance company. In these cases, the targeted driver is falsely accused of causing the accident and faces increased insurance premiums through no fault of their own. In some cases, these staged Florida car accidents can even cause real injuries to the targeted driver.

Staged car accidents and insurance fraud are a serious problem in Florida. According to the insurance industry, staged accidents cost the industry between $4.8 billion to $6.8 billion in losses in 2007 alone. These industry losses affect everyone, as they translated into higher premiums for all Florida drivers. Currently, the industry is trying to target suspected cases of insurance fraud. They are also trying to target doctors who handle high numbers of fraudulent claims.

In a review of twelve no-fault states, Florida had the highest rate for personal injury insurance fraud. Between 2008 and 2009, the number of suspected fraudulent claims increased by 15% in Florida. In many cases, insurance companies are investigating suspicious claims by hiring private investigators and other professionals. Unfortunately, this also raises the cost of insurance and can slow processing of legitimate claims.

According to many experts, a shaky economy in the state may be contributing to insurance fraud as well. In May, Florida’s unemployment rate (11.7%) was higher than the national average (9.7%). Desperation may push some to insurance fraud, experts claim, especially since Florida unemployment is the worst it has been in some years.

Miami Dade County is one of the busiest counties in Florida, home to major cities such as Miami, Coral Gables, Homestead, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Key Biscayne, North Miami, South Miami, Pinecrest, and others. Over the years, new rules and increasing efforts by the Florida Highway Patrol and other agencies have resulted in fewer accidents in the county.

In 2000, Miami Dade County saw 51, 132 car accidents. By 2001, the car accident rate increased to 54, 519 before starting to decline. In 2002 and 2003, respectively, the area saw 49, 922 and 45, 731 Florida car accidents. In 2005, however, there were 48,537 car accidents in Miami Dade County.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Miami Dade County in 2005 (the last year for which statistics are available) saw:

1) A disproportionate number of accidents in the city of Miami. Of the total 48, 537 car accidents in Miami Dade County, 10,814 of them were Miami car accidents.

2) A significant number of accidents were Miami drunk driving accidents. About 4.63% of Miami car accidents involved alcohol. 501 car accidents in Miami in 2005 were attributed to DUI. In Miami Dade County, 2,117 accidents were alcohol-related. 74 of these drunk driving accidents resulted in fatalities. 1,635 injuries were also attributed to drunk driving in Miami Dade County in 2005.

3) Miami Dade county car accidents claimed 336 lives in 2005. They also caused 37,879 injuries.

4) In addition to Florida car accidents, Miami Dade County also saw 45 fatal Florida motorcycle accidents and 8 fatal Florida bicycle accidents in 2005. That year also resulted in 444 injuries from Florida bicycle accidents and 1, 484 injuries from Florida pedestrian accidents. 81 Miami Dade County pedestrian accidents proved fatal in 2005.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol 2004 Florida car accident statistics, which are the latest year for which the statistics are available, Florida saw a high number of accidents in 2004:

1) There were 252,902 Florida accidents involving cars in 2004. In fact, Florida saw an average of 691 car accidents a day in 2004.

2) Some drivers had multiple accidents. In total, 376,111 drivers were involved in Florida car accidents.

3) There were 2,936 fatal Florida car accidents in 2004. 3,257 drivers lost their lives in these accidents. There were also 142,388 car accidents causing bodily injury. In these crashes, 227,192 Florida drivers sustained a personal injury of some kind.

4) In 2004, 23,000 Florida car accidents were found to be Florida drunk driving accidents. These accidents claimed 1, 093 lives and injured 17,580 passengers and motorists.

5) There were 8,084 Florida pedestrian accidents in 2004. These accidents caused 7, 551 personal injuries and 504 fatalities.

6) There were 5,203 bicycle accidents involving cars in 2004. 119 of these crashes were fatal. 4,820 bicyclists were injured in Florida bicycle accidents in 2004.

7) There were 7,367 Florida motorcycle accidents in 2004, resulting in 388 fatalities. In 6,558 of these accidents, serious injuries were sustained.