2021 traffic fatality stats arrive in Florida
On Behalf of The Andres Lopez Law Firm , PA | April 30, 2023 | Motor Vehicle Accidents
Reviewing accident statistics in the United States can be sobering. Even during years when injuries and fatalities decline, the total number of injured or fatally wounded remains uncomfortably high. Florida drivers should make safety a priority when driving, but many do not. Their reckless behavior sometimes results in pedestrian deaths.
2021 and pedestrian fatalities
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released figures detailing 2021’s traffic accident statistics. Traffic fatalities increased by 10.5% from 2020, and pedestrian deaths increased by 13%. Unlike passengers in vehicles, pedestrians have no safety features, such as airbags or seat belts, to protect them. They become entirely vulnerable when hit by a car.
Distracted driving ranks as one of the top causes of accidents. Some examples of distracted driving are well-known, such as texting or eating behind the wheel. However, distractions could come in other forms, including conversing with a passenger or tending to a pet outside of a carrying case. Ultimately, any action that takes a driver’s attention and dexterity away from safely operating a car could leave the driver open to a negligence suit if their distractions lead to a pedestrian’s injury or death.
Additional examples of negligent behavior
Speeding plays a tremendous role in an unfortunate number of motor vehicle accidents each year. Drivers might rely too much on technology to warn them of an impending crash, not realizing how excessive speeds make avoidance challenging. Regardless, speeding is illegal under all circumstances, and drivers should not try to manage speeding or any other moving violations.
Driving under the influence continues to take drivers, pedestrians and passengers’ lives each year. That fact will not likely change in the coming years, no matter how much effort goes into awareness campaigns. So, pedestrians must remain alert to intoxicated or reckless drivers. Persons hurt by these drivers could file a civil claim.