Being involved in a traffic accident can be a life-changing event. The effects far surpass the crash itself and can cloud different areas of your life. Immediately after the accident, it is essential to reach out to experts for help in dealing with the aftermath.

There are a series of factors that can lead to a traffic accident. In Florida, the list is topped by speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving. These are closely followed by weather and road conditions. Knowing the risk factors can help all drivers take appropriate preventive measures and steer toward safe driving practices.

1. Speeding

The maximum speed limit in Florida is 55 MPH. However, this can change based on specific regions and road conditions, so keep your eyes on signs you pass. While some multi-lane highways require a lower speed, certain rural interstate highways allow for a higher limit (70 MPH).

Speeding past the limit can place both your life and the lives of others on the road in danger, as it increases the risk for accidents. The faster you drive, the less control you have over the vehicle. You might expect a smooth ride ahead on a seemingly clear road; yet if anything unpredictable happens, you will have less time to react. If caught speeding by an officer of the law, there will be legal consequences.

2. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving claims thousands of lives each year throughout the U.S. This is an umbrella term that includes a wide range of activities while driving, including:

• Texting
• Using devices
• Reading and replying to emails
• Eating and drinking

All these mundane acts pose a significant danger if done while behind the wheel. When driving, it is essential to eliminate distractions, keep your hands on the steering wheel, and your eyes on the road. Even a second’s lack of attention could expose you to additional risk.

If you were involved in a car crash due to distracted driving, do not hesitate to seek legal representation. Talk to a qualified lawyer to learn more about how to access settlements for car accidents in Miami.

3. Drunk Driving

Drunk driving accidents can be prevented. Nowadays, there is a wide range of convenient options available to us. Ridesharing is commonly mentioned as a viable solution in discussions about driving under the influence.

Consuming alcohol affects how the brain functions. It influences aspects that are directly involved and essential to the act of driving, like:

• Muscle coordination
• Reflexes
• Cognition and decision making

Alcohol is absorbed into our system through the small intestine and the stomach; then it passes into the bloodstream. There it gathers until the liver processes it. The higher the alcohol concentration in one’s system, the more impaired the central nervous system becomes.

4. Weather and Road Conditions

Some factors that contribute to traffic accidents lie beyond the driver’s control. Road and weather conditions can significantly impair one’s driving ability. However, there are ways to take preventive measures.

Before heading out on the road, make sure to check the weather. If the forecast is not positive, try to postpone long drives. However, if you must face bad weather, make sure that you and the vehicle are properly equipped for the task. Also, be extra cautious and drive slower.

Furthermore, there are certain periods within a day when visibility poses an issue for many drivers. It can be more dangerous to drive at dusk, dawn, and during the night since visibility is greatly diminished. Driving under strong and direct sunlight can also pose a challenge.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the top causes for car accidents in Florida can help all drivers take better preventive action whenever they are on the road. While some unsafe driving practices (particularly activities that fall under distracted driving) might not seem as serious, these do, in fact, raise the risk level for fatal crashes.

Author: Early in his journalism career, Kerry L. Tucker had a revelation: there were not enough experts reporting on law issues. Legal matters are part of daily life. Yet, there seems to be a general aversion towards them. One of the main reasons for this is that the convoluted legal language is difficult for many people to follow. Therefore, he decided to change how the law is perceived by the public. Throughout his career, he met with many people who shared their personal stories with him. Some of these hit him harder. One of the cases that stayed with him and influenced his future career development was a car accident case involving a child. From then on, he decided to zero in on car accident lawsuits.