Whether you call Florida home or frequent the highways and freeways for a getaway here and there, you’ve probably noticed an influx of traffic over the past decade. A result of Florida being one of the most popular destinations in the country is that the accident and fatality rates continue to rise each year.
In this detailed infographic, you’ll find the latest statistical data for the state of Florida including:
- Car Crashes
- Injuries from Car Crashes
- Fatal Car Accidents
- What Age Group Causes the Most Accidents
- Incapacitating Injuries
- Motorcycle Crashes
- Drug and Alcohol Related Crashes
FLORIDA CAR CRASHES
In 2017, Florida saw an alarming number of auto accidents, totaling 402,385. This number averages out to about 1,098 crashes each day. Of those accidents, 686,590 people were involved. Remember that the drivers are not necessarily the only people who may be injured in an auto accident.
FATAL CAR ACCIDENTS & INCAPACITATING INJURIES
42.13% of all crashes resulted in some kind of auto accident injury that required medical attention. 3,116 individuals lost their lives in these accidents, and 20,380 people suffered from incapacitating injuries. An incapacitating injury is any injury that results in loss of normal function that the individual was able to perform before the accident, such as walking, standing, driving, etc. Paralyzation is the most common incapacitating injury.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL RELATED CRASHES
Alcohol and drug related crashes continue to steadily rise each year. In 2017, 6,148 accidents were caused by impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. It is illegal in the state of Florida to get behind the wheel if you have a BAC of .08% or higher, which is the standard measurement used across the country.
Contrary to popular belief, use of prescription drugs while driving does is not necessarily safe just because you have a prescription. If medication causes impairment, do not drive – consult your doctor to find out how long you should wait after taking your prescription before getting behind the wheel.
ORANGE COUNTY CAR CRASHES
Orange County had the third highest crash rate in Florida at 30,992 in 2017. Most of these crashes occurred in Orlando, Apopka and Ocoee. The most common time for an accident to occur is during the day, between 4-5 PM, on Fridays. It is likely that people eager to end the work week are involved in most of these accidents during their commute home.
HOW PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION CAN HELP
All Florida residents are legally required to have insurance coverage on their vehicles. PIP, or Personal Injury Protection, is the most basic coverage you can have. PIP coverage is used for medical costs and loss of wages due to not being able to work because of an accident related injury. PIP does not cover vehicle or property damage, and does not guarantee you won’t be responsible for other costs, or possibly be sued if you were at fault. However, PIP will pay for your accident-related medical expenses as long as you seek medical attention within 14 days of your accident.
AUTO ACCIDENT DOCTOR ORLANDO
As long as Florida is surrounded by oceans, we should expect an influx of new residents and visitors every year. More people results in more opportunities for error and accidents. Auto accidents can happen to anyone, at anytime, and cannot be anticipated. However, we do have the option to educate ourselves with safe driving techniques, recent statistics, and driving regulations to lessen the possibility of becoming a victim.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Orange County, you do have options. Schedule an appointment with an experienced and skilled auto accident doctor today to begin the treatment you need to recover from your injuries.