With over 17 million drivers on Florida roads, car accidents are bound to happen. Over 395,000 accidents happen in Florida each year.
No matter what time of year, it is imperative to pay attention to the road and drive safely. Especially with inclement weather like here in Florida, it is crucial to follow the rules of the road—and then some.
Here are the top driving safety tips in Florida:
Wear Your Seatbelt
Although it seems obvious, thousands of people are injured every year in Florida by not wearing their seatbelts. In Florida, drivers and all passengers under the age of 18 years old must wear the law according to section 316.614 Florida Statutes.
Wearing your seatbelt can save your life. Here are some of the top reasons why wearing a seatbelt is so important:
- Saves you from being thrown from the vehicle
- Saves you from being thrown against the windshield or steering wheel
- Protects all passengers from being thrown against one another
- Keeps you behind the wheel in control of the vehicle
Don’t Drive Distracted
With cell phones being a main staple in the majority of Floridians’ lives, distracted driving is at an all-time high. In conjunction with having conversations with other passengers and changing the radio station, a mere moment of distraction can wreak havoc on your life.
Put your phone down, turn the radio down to a low level, and keep your eyes on the road. The only place your eyes should be is scanning the lanes around you, your mirrors, and directly in front of you.
Stay Sober
Driving while intoxicated in Florida can lead to accidents—and even death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed around 31% of traffic accident fatalities across the country involve drunk drivers. In Florida, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) revealed around 5,200 alcohol-only drunk driving accidents in 2022.
Before you drink, plan ahead. Prepare a ride beforehand. This can include a designated driver, a cab, or a rideshare service.
Be Prepared for Inclement Weather
It is wise to review the weather before getting behind the wheel. Florida is known for its torrential downpours and life-threatening hurricanes.
If you see a storm coming, ensure you can make it to your destination safely and before the storm hits. Avoid driving during heavy storms and instead stay in place.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Keeping your vehicle current and road safe is crucial to driving safely. Here are the top tips on how to keep your vehicle maintained:
- Replace dirty or old filters
- Regular oil changes
- Keep the interior clean
- Keep an eye on the tread of your tires
- Always have gas in the car
- Balance the weight on your tires
- Replace old or shredded windshield wipers
- Ensure all blinkers and lights work
Proper maintenance of your vehicle keeps you and other drivers safe on the road. Keep your automobile current with the rules of operating a safe vehicle.
Watch Out for Pedestrians
Pedestrians can be gravely injured—or even killed—by someone who is not paying attention. Observe bicycle lanes in addition to pedestrians crossing the road.
Your job is to obey all traffic laws. This includes school zones where speed limits are drastically reduced for the safety of pedestrians and children. Be cautious when backing up as pedestrians can quickly cross behind your bumper. And most importantly, never pass another vehicle in a crosswalk.
Obey the Speed Limit
Although it can be enticing to put the pedal to the medal, you must obey the speed limit. Every county, city, and town has its own speed limits, so stay vigilant.
By reducing your speed, you diminish the probability of an accident as you give yourself time to react. Driving the speed limit can save lives.
Bottom Line
If you live in or are visiting Florida, remember to drive safely. Millions of people are on the road every day, so be aware.
By obeying the speed limit, preparing for inclement weather, maintaining your vehicle, and not driving distracted or impaired, you can save lives. Wearing your seatbelt continues to top the list of safe driving.
If you are a loved one was injured in a car accident in Florida, call us today. We have served Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Lauderhill, Plantation, Sunrise, and Tamarac as car accident lawyers for over 40 years. At Cytryn & Velazquez, P.A., we are ready to fight for your rights to the compensation you need to heal and reclaim your life.