Should You Be Worried About Speeding And Aggressive Drivers In The Sunshine State?
Corbin Sutter
Traffic Accidents
Sometimes, people say speeding isn't necessarily dangerous like when the weather is perfect, and driving occurs on a long, straight road. However, how often are driving conditions perfect, really? Sure, Florida has its fair share of immaculate weather with the sun shining and not a cloud in sight. But there are also occasions when where it's raining cats and dogs outside. Then, it's hard to see even a few feet in front of your car out of its windshield.And the roads here are far from perfect. For instance, some streets feature deep potholes, and upon hitting them, it feels like your tire might fall off. Meanwhile, there are also areas considered to have bad road designs. Hence, if you go a little too fast around a curve, you could find yourself upside down in a ditch.
However, regardless of what folks believe, the stats don't lie, and the truth of the matter is that speeding is dangerous. For that matter, so is aggressive driving, but we'll get to that topic in a bit. First, let's review some research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration so that you aren't merely taking our word for it about the dangers of speeding.
NHTSA Facts On Speeding
Even if you keep your car at or below the speed limit at all times, that might not be enough to keep you out of accidents. After all, you aren't the only person on the streets. Statista reveals that 15,715,373 licensed drivers called the Sunshine State home in 2020, but that figure has probably increased by now since that was two years ago. Plus, that number doesn't account for people who drive around without the proper credentials. The point is that any one of them could mess up and throw you into the lion's den.
So, how big of a problem is speeding in Florida? Well, it is definitely a problem here, but not only here. Thus, this research shows how much of an issue it is across the nation. The NHTSA reports that speeding was a factor in about 29 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2020. In fact, in that year alone, there were 11,258 speeding-related deaths.
Some of those passings may have been preventable, though. The research indicates that 53 percent of the motorists involved in those fatal crashes were not wearing seat belts. After looking these things over, it's easy to see why speeding is such a risky activity. So, stick to the speed limits, wear your seat belt, and with any luck, no harm will come to you, but just realize, that isn't a guarantee.
Info About Aggressive Drivers
Obrella.com states that aggressive drivers can often be identified by excessive driving speeds. However, there are other traits that such motorists possess as well. They include but are not limited to:
▪ Failing To Use Signals When Passing
▪ Changing Lanes Erratically
▪ Cutting People Off Abruptly
Thus, if you see these indicators, it is in your best interest to steer clear of the operators. But that may be easier said than done because the site says nearly 6,800,000 crashes in the U.S. annually are caused by aggressive drivers. So, you could find yourself in an accident and from no fault of your own.
Why Hire An Auto Accident Attorney
If you become severely injured in a crash by a speeding or aggressive driver, you might have the grounds to seek compensation for your damages. An auto accident attorney can help you get the best possible outcome for your case.