According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the number of car accident fatalities increased 5% between 2011 and 2012. The direct costs of car accidents climbed to a total of 276 billion dollars in 2012. These costs included medical costs, productivity loss, property damage, administrative costs, and costs to employers. According to the NSC, there are a number of reasons for the increase in fatalities:
1) More people are driving. The total number of miles driven across the country increased in 2012 as the economy continued to slowly recover. More cars on the road can mean a higher risk of accidents.
2) Distracted driving. The CDC has reported that the number of distracted drivers involved in fatal car collisions rose seven percent in 2005 and increased to more than ten percent in 2009. Cell phone related accidents in Miami and across Florida are quite common. In addition to cell phones, drivers face multiple distractions. Cars today are equipped with interactive displays, advanced music systems, and more, providing drivers with more distractions than ever before.
3) Drivers who fail to use seatbelts.. If you are involved in a car accident in Miami or anywhere in South Florida, a seat belt can help save your life. It can also help prevent head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries that are caused when a passenger is thrown about the vehicle during a collision.
4) Drunk driving. Drunk driving accidents in Miami and across South Florida continue to be a concern, despite multiple educational programs and campaigns. Currently, the NHSTA is continuing a program which emphasizes that even drivers who are only slightly affected by alcohol are at increased risk of car accidents. Unfortunately, some motorists assume that if they are only slightly “buzzed” and not completely intoxicated they are safe to drive. Experts and the NHSTA are trying to show drivers that even being slightly affected by alcohol – even having a few drinks – can lead to serious car accident.
5) Inexperienced and young drivers. Teen drivers cause many car accidents in Miami and across South Florida, not because they are bad drivers but because in many cases they are still developing their skills. Experts agree that getting additional driver training for young drivers can help them reduce the risk of an accident.
6) Drowsy driving. Driving fatigue is considered by many experts to be as unsafe as driving inebriated. Drowsy driving causes many car and truck accidents in Miami and across South Florida each year.
7) Unsafe trucks. Commercial trucks are subject to many federal regulations to ensure that they are safe and that they do not pose unnecessary risks on the roads. Unfortunately, in some cases motor carriers and truck drivers ignore these federal rules and when this happens, traffic accidents in Miami and South Florida occur.
8) Motorcyclists not wearing helmets. Motorcyclists who are not wearing helmets at the time of their accident are more likely to suffer head injuries and other serious injuries. If you want to increase your risk of surviving a motorcycle accident in Miami or your community, wear a helmet each time you ride. Keep in mind that many preventable head injuries in Miami and across South Florida are caused each year simply by not wearing helmets.
If you have been injured in a traffic accident in Miami or any other South Florida community, contact the Flaxman Law Group legal team in order to find out about your rights and options. You may qualify for compensation that can help you pay for the often devastating cost of being involved in a traffic accident.