With the shutdown of much air travel over the past two years, more people have taken to the roads. And while road travel may have reduced the spread of the COVID-19 virus, in Florida, it has increased the incidents of traffic accidents and fatalities.
According to the U.S. Transportation Department, traffic fatalities surged in 2021, increasing by 12 percent from the previous year. One of the more devastating consequences of these crashes was the rise of hit-and-run crashes and fatalities statewide.
Holidays Are Potentially High-Risk For Traffic Accidents
Accidents typically jump by around 10 percent around the winter holidays. In Florida alone, holiday fatalities can increase during the holidays by nearly 30 percent. Interestingly, however, Christmas and New Years are not the holidays that see the most traffic accidents in the United States. The topmost dangerous holidays from an accident perspective are:
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Memorial Day
- Thanksgiving
- New Year’s
- Christmas
Not surprisingly, holiday traffic accidents are blamed on busier roads, but one of the more important commonalities is the prevalence of drunk driving during holiday seasons. For instance, data out of the National Safety Council shows that 36 percent of fatalities during the New Year’s holiday are attributed to impaired driving.
Consequently, the most dangerous holidays involving drunk driving accidents have a bit different mix:
- New Year’s
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Christmas
- Thanksgiving
While drunk driving is still the leading cause of accidents in the United States, distracted driving is quickly catching up. A significant number of accidents today involve some form of driver distraction, with 25 percent of fatal distracted driving accidents caused by young adults. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that in 2020, we saw 48,537 crashes caused by driver distraction in our state alone.
Population Growth, Tourism, and Accidents in Florida
In Florida, we know all too well how the holidays can be a particularly treacherous time with tourists flocking to our state at these peak times each year. US Hwy 1, US Hwy 4, and I-95 are consistently named as some of the most dangerous roads in America, and each year, we are adding millions of new residents, tourists and snowbirds who are unfamiliar with our roads and laws. This creates an exponential problem.
Many Florida roadways are challenging to maneuver, even for those familiar with them. Our explosive population growth and the seasonal influx of tourists each year only increase the risk for serious accidents.
Holidays and Tourist Season Equals Vulnerability for Florida Drivers
Holidays and peak tourist season are especially vulnerable times for all drivers on our roads in Florida. Consequently, all drivers should take precautions to ensure everyone’s safety by
- Avoiding driving after consuming alcohol and taking advantage of ride-share apps or designated drivers
- Avoiding texting or talking on your mobile device unless you can do so hands-free
- Giving yourself extra time to get where you’re going
- Avoiding driving during peak travel hours
- Adhering to the rules of the road and local speed limits
If you have been injured in a car accident in Boca Raton, it can become complicated if the other involved driver is from another state. While a negligent tourist can still be held accountable for your serious injuries, that driver may be long gone before you can pursue legal action against them.
Insurance laws are different from state to state. At Ged Lawyers, LLP, our team of Boca Raton car accident lawyers can help you navigate an injury claim if you have been injured by someone who is a new resident or is in Florida for the holidays or on vacation. Call us at (561) 562-4170 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
