Traffic Tickets Are Down & Accidents Are Up
Brian O Sutter
Traffic Accidents
Florida is always going to have the sun and weather all year round that makes it a great place to drive or take a motorcycle out on the road. But if the recent statistics from state law enforcement are anything to go by, there’s a disturbing new trend that’s on the rise on our roads and highways. Less enforcement of traffic law is leading to a rise in the number of car accidents that are occurring.The Law Does Matter
One of the most interesting statistics to come out of state law enforcement is the apparent correlation between how active police officers are in enforcing traffic laws, and the number of accidents that occur on the road. State law enforcement shared their data from the years 2012-2017. Over the years, fewer traffic tickets for speeding, distracted driving and other moving violations have been issued as the years have passed.
There are numerous reasons for this. One is that Florida is now trying to rely more on educational efforts, as well as giving people warnings before issuing a ticket. Another is one of budgets; Florida law enforcement has become short-staffed as time passed, and there are fewer officers on the road. Another factor, at least for some Florida towns and cities, was the death of the “quota law” in 2015, otherwise known as the “Waldo Bill,” named after the town in North Florida where half of the town’s revenue was accounted for thanks to speed traps. Simply put, fewer speeding tickets have been issued over the years.
Where it becomes interesting is the results of that leniency. In Palm Beach country, for example, the number of tickets issued in 2017 compared to 2012 had dropped by 40%, and the number of accidents had gone up by 57%. In Broward County, for the same period, issued tickets had been reduced by 45%, and accidents had gone up by 32%.
More Drivers, Fewer Officers
This is a concern that looks like it’s only going to get worse. Florida is seeing a big increase in drivers on the road, both from new, local residents as well as tourists visiting from other parts of the country and the world. Police officers on the road, however, keep shrinking due to budget cuts and other factors.
What does this mean for Florida drivers? It is usually the most reckless drivers, getting frequently ticketed, who are eventually punished by the law, and either removed from the streets through multiple tickets, or forced to readjust their driving to avoid further discipline. With fewer restraints on their behavior, recklessness, negligence and careless driving on the road are on the increase on Florida streets and highways.
Drive Defensively
This means that, for better or for worse, Florida drivers must always be alert for potential recklessness on the road. It’s on the rise, and the current statistics don’t indicate that things will get better any time soon. Protect yourself on the road, drive with full awareness and, for added peace of mind, consider getting a dashboard camera to monitor activities on the road.
And always remember, if you find yourself in a car accident where it was recklessness of the other driver that caused the damage and/or injuries, make sure your voice is heard. Talk to a seasoned car crash lawyer about your situation. Find out what your rights and your legal options are, and make sure that you have the infor-mation and the advocacy you need to get the proper financial compensation for any property damage or injury that you have sustained as the result of someone else’s recklessness on the road.