Accidents Related to Distracted Driving on the Rise in Florida
Accidents related to distracted driving are on the rise in Florida and are reaching alarming numbers. And it seems like the state and local government are scrambling for ideas to deal with the epidemic. However, many are questioning whether new legislation could actually make an impact and what can be done to bring the numbers down. Let’s look at the hard data about this trend before discussing the multiple factors contributing to it. We’ll also share what you need to know about Florida’s laws on distracted driving so that you can avoid becoming a statistic.
photo/ Falkenpost
The Hard Facts
The Florida Highway Patrol said that 2017 was the worst year on record for accidents. There were more than 50,000 accidents in Florida attributed to distracted driving in 2017. This is a continuation of a steady rise in accidents. In fact, according to FHP statistics, it is an uptick of an already disturbing trend. More than 4,000 personal injuries and 200 deaths were attributed to these wrecks.
The Factors Behind This Trend
Distracted driving is expected to increase as teenagers who’ve grown up using cell phones to text, call and email hit the roads in greater numbers. This explains why adults 20 to 29 are the most likely to be involved in distracted driving crashes. Distracted driving is considered a factor in at least a quarter of accidents and possibly as many as half.
Florida’s Laws on Distracted Driving
Legislation was proposed in the Florida Senate to make texting while driving a primary offense, something police could pull over and ticket drivers for. The legislation failed. This means current law still considers texting while driving a secondary offense, making Florida one of only five states where that is true. However, the police can pull you over for another offense like speeding and then ticket you for both speeding and texting while driving. Compared to other states, Florida’s distracted driving laws are rather relaxed. For example, other states ban not only cell phone use while driving but the use of any electronic device while driving.
According to Miami car accident lawyer Boris Lavent, these stats are in line with the sharp increase in traffic accidents in Miami. He said that there were about 150 accidents each day in 2013 in Miami. Just three years later, there were 181 car accidents, a 25% increase.
Florida is a no-fault state regarding traffic accidents. Florida is also a comparative negligence state. Distracted drivers responsible for accidents are liable for the harm they cause to others. If you are partially at fault, a judge or jury will assign each party a percentage of fault for the accident. These cases should be handled by a personal injury attorney.
Conclusion
Technology and the generation that grew up using it throughout the day are hitting the roads and, unfortunately, increasingly hitting each other. Laws to address this issue are slow to pass, but existing laws already make it an offense if you get in an accident.
