The Orlando Sentinel has reported that traffic deaths have dramatically increased in Central Florida and throughout the nation since 2015, which saw more than 35,000 fatal crashes. This reflects a more than seven percent increase in auto accident deaths since 2014, breaking a fifty-year trend of declining traffic fatalities. This month alone, seven people have already been killed in auto accidents, including four pedestrians, a semi-truck driver, and the driver of a passenger vehicle.
A Florida Department of Transportation report revealed that Orlando ranked first of Florida’s large cities for the highest number of serious injury and fatality crashes per capita between 2009 and 2013. Orlando also ranked first for the highest number of pedestrian crashes, speed-related crashes, and aggressive driving-related crashes.
According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, since the beginning of this year, there has been a 12 percent increase in fatal crashes over 2015 in the Volusia, Brevard, Lake, Seminole, Osceola, and Orange Counties. While an exact cause has not been identified, troopers suspect that factors such as distracted driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and speeding may be to blame. Officials also suggest that low fuel prices and job growth have placed more drivers on the road, thus increasing the potential for accidents.
In light of these statistics, The Department of Transportation is formulating a safety plan to help reduce the number of preventable traffic deaths on city streets and highways in Florida. The plan includes statewide education campaigns to remind drivers of safe driving techniques as well as other safety improvements.
According to an administrator of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 94 percent of accidents involve some form of human error.
Todd Miner Law®️ represents victims of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. If you have been injured due to the actions of a careless driver, talk to an Orlando personal injury lawyer at our firm for more information on your right to pursue compensation.
