Florida’s Most Dangerous Drivers
Injured By a Dangerous Driver in Florida? We Can Help
You do your best to stay safe on the road, and you expect other drivers to do the same. Unfortunately, many drivers are not safe, and they make mistakes (whether knowingly or unknowingly) that put others in harm’s way.
If you have been injured in a car accident involving a dangerous driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. While Florida is a “no fault” auto insurance state, drivers and passengers can pursue fault-based claims when they suffer significant injuries due to other drivers’ mistakes.
3 Categories of High-Risk Drivers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), National Safety Council (NSC) and other sources, there are three primary categories of high-risk drivers. Data from these sources show that drivers in these categories account for a disproportionate percentage of all accidents on the road:
- Teen Drivers – According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than a quarter million teen drivers are treated in emergency rooms annually. Sadly, each year teen drivers are also to blame for hundreds of thousands of other motorists’ injuries and deaths.
- Elderly Drivers – The NHTSA lists several medical conditions that can impair elderly individuals’ driving abilities. Sadly, many elderly individuals don’t realize when it is no longer safe for them to drive.
- Inexperienced Drivers – Regardless of a person’s age and health condition, inexperience can significantly increase his or her risk of causing a serious or fatal accident. Unfamiliarity with stopping distances, approach speeds, traffic patterns and right of way laws can all lead to extremely dangerous situations on the road.
How to Stay Safe on the Road
Given that there are so many dangerous drivers on Florida’s roads, what can you do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe? Here are three steps you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in a collision with an inexperienced driver:
1. Follow the Rules of the Road
Always follow the rules of the road. Obeying the speed limit, coming to a complete stop at intersections and signaling before changing lanes are all simple things you can do to mitigate your risk.
2. Pay Attention to the Task At Hand
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents among drivers of all age groups. When you are driving, put down your phone and pay attention to the task at hand.
3. When In Doubt, Slow Down
If you come across someone who appears to be a dangerous driver, err on the side of caution. Slow down, leave plenty of buffer and prioritize your (and your passengers’) safety above all.
Of course, taking these steps won’t guarantee your safety on the road. If you have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you should speak with an attorney promptly.
Talk to a Florida Dangerous Driving Accident Attorney About Your Legal Rights for Free
Injured by a dangerous driver in Florida? Searcy Denney can help. For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today.
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