The beginning of summer means a flood of teen drivers hitting the road across Florida and a likely spike in traffic accidents to go with it.
Teen drivers were involved in more than 18,000 crashes from June through August last year, according to Florida Highway Safety Motor Vehicles. That includes 76 accidents that resulted in fatalities.
Florida officials call the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day the 100 deadly days of summer.
“The 100 Days of Summer is a period that teens look forward to each year as they return home from college or make plans with friends and family while school is out, said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze. “While enjoying the summer months and all Florida offers, teen and inexperienced drivers should take precautions to ensure they and their vehicles are prepared for the road. Remember always to practice safe driving and drive responsibly to arrive alive.”
Several factors contribute to accidents involving teen drivers, but a few are among the most common: speed, careless driving, and drinking and driving.
Speeding is the most frequent traffic citation for teen drivers, according to FLHSMV. It is a recipe for disaster on the road because it limits reaction time for drivers. That is particularly dangerous for teen drivers, who are less experienced than other motorists and may not take longer to notice hazards ahead.
Speeding is a factor in more than one quarter (26%) of traffic fatalities across the country, FLHSMV estimates.
Getting behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a reckless decision that can come with fatal consequences. Intoxication slows reaction time and decision-making ability. It also reduces alertness and hand-eye coordination.
More than 400 people are killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents statewide every year. Another 400-plus die in crashes related to drug use, FLHSMV data show.
Legal Rights for People Injured in Florida Car Accidents
Anyone who has been injured in a car accident in The Villages or across Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash. Similarly, certain family members of a person who is killed in a crash can also ensure that those responsible are made accountable for their actions by suing for wrongful death.
The compensation available in these cases includes money for the loss of the deceased person’s earnings and companionship, as well as for mental anguish and suffering, medical and funeral expenses.
There is no amount of money that can ever undo a fatal car accident or replace a loved one killed in a crash. Compensation can, however, help ease some of the financial burden that often comes with losing a family member.
Speak with a Villages Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Florida, Villages accident lawyer Tim Babiarz can help.
Our firm is pleased to represent clients in the Villages and throughout the area, including in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield, and beyond. Call (352) 205-7559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Villages accident lawyer.
