Workers’ Comp And Auto Accidents Are Related
Brian O Sutter
Workers’ Compensation
Auto accidents are a famous problem in Florida. There are a few different contributing causes: the large population in a relatively small state, the massive number of tourists who drive down to every part of the state, the many old roads, and even the geography of the state plays its part. Thanks to factors like these, Florida has more than its fair share of auto accidents and some of the deadliest highways in America. And while these statistics have an effect on Florida’s auto insurance rates, its impact goes far beyond just one type of insurance.The Good News About Workers’ Compensation
The number of workers’ compensation claims has been going down in recent years, and that’s not just because of politics or legislation. It’s because workplace accidents are becoming less common, thanks to increased automation, better safety regulations, and safer workplace equipment. However, there’s one kind of workplace accident that’s defying the trend.
According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), the total number of workers’ comp claims in American went down 17.6 percent between 2011 and 2016. However, over this same period the number of motor vehicle accident claims went up by 5 percent. And while this number doesn’t match workers’ comp claims, it does match the spike in road accidents and fatalities that followed the rise of the smartphone.
Be Smart With Your Smartphone
Texting and making calls on your cell phone both existed before smartphones, but with a smartphone you have a dozen more distractions in the palm of your hand. You can look up a specific song to play, access social media sites, and choose a destination on the fly with a navigation app. All these extra features make smartphones more convenient than the older variety, but they also increase the number of reasons to take out your phone and distract yourself.
This is particularly good advice for people who do a lot of driving on the job. Efficiency and multitasking are important job skills to learn, but you should never practice them when you’re in the driver’s seat of a moving vehicle. Even when you’re on the highway with cruise control on, you should give the road your full attention and only use your smartphone for job activities when you’re parked on the side of the road.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance, which means it will always pay out the same no matter who is responsible for a workplace injury. However, there’s one thing better than getting full payouts for your medical bills and recovery period: not needing to pay medical bills or go through a recovery period.
Auto accidents have an impact on workplace accidents and workers’ compensation rates because employees are often driving up and down Florida’s streets and freeways while they’re on the clock. Accidents on the road and in the workplace are generally going down, but thanks to the state of Florida’s roads and the rise of smartphones, accidents are still dangerously common here. So whether you’re commuting, you’re on vacation, or you’re in the middle of your workday, remember to keep both eyes on the road and set your smartphone aside until it’s safe to be distracted.