By Susan Melony
Florida is a huge attraction for those inside and outside the U.S. Its highways are always bustling, and its intersections are typically filled with cars going in all directions.
This kind of traffic inevitably means a higher-than-usual rate of car accidents. In 2023 alone, there were 395,092 crashes in Florida. Furthermore, intersection accidents cause more than 94,000 injuries in Florida each year.
This highlights the need for better traffic control measures and the need to address two major contributing factors: distracted driving and dangerous intersections.
What does distracted driving mean?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road. For example, a tourist may want to take in the Florida sights instead of keeping their eyes on the highway ahead. Or a driver may try to finish an entire breakfast while maneuvering through an intersection.
Even something innocuous, such as changing the radio station or glancing at the GPS, can mean the difference between staying safe and being in an accident.
However, texting and driving are by far among the biggest problems in the state. Young drivers are especially guilty of texting and driving, whether on the open road or in an intersection.
According to a Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study, a driver who texts while on the road is 23 times more likely to cause an accident.
Florida’s distracted driving laws
Authorities in Florida are well aware of the scourge of texting and driving, as well as other forms of distracted driving. This is why several laws have been implemented here.
These include a law that makes texting or typing on a mobile device illegal while driving. It is a primary offense, which means a driver can be pulled over if it looks like they are typing on their phone.
It is also the law in Florida that drivers must use hands-free devices in school zones or construction areas.
Dangerous Florida intersections
Unfortunately, some drivers are out to flout the laws, no matter the risks. Combining this behavior with traffic congestion in intersections becomes a huge problem. This is especially true for poorly designed intersections.
Some intersections in Florida are more dangerous than others. They are known for rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and pedestrian accidents. These intersections have the following in common in most cases:
- High traffic volumes
- Limited visibility for various reasons
- Poor or no signage and inadequate road design
- Confusing lane configurations
How distracted driving increases intersection accidents
When a driver is distracted when entering an intersection, there is a high crash risk. This is because distracted drivers tend not to notice or observe traffic signals. They may also not notice a pedestrian suddenly walking in front of their car, and when they finally do, their reaction time will not be fast enough.
Distracted drivers usually miss signals like changing lights and stop signs. They may crash into another car while talking or texting on the phone. Or, if they come to an abrupt halt, another car may crash into them.
Florida’s urban centers, including Orlando, Tampa, and Miami, tend to see a lot of intersection accidents every year. A large chunk of these accidents happen because of distracted driving.
The impact of distracted driving and dangerous intersections
When distracted driving and poorly designed intersections collide, it can have devastating consequences. Florida continues to rank among the states with the highest road fatalities. Many of these accidents happen at badly designed intersections and involve distracted drivers.
Second to the fatalities is the burden on the economy and individuals. Victims of car accidents typically have a higher financial burden, including property damage, medical bills, and legal expenses.
In some cases, victims may be unable to recoup their losses with a personal injury claim. This means they have to pay for all their accident-related losses out-of-pocket.
Distracted driving can be rooted out
Reducing the number of accidents on Florida roads caused by distracted driving is possible. However, it cannot be the sole responsibility of authorities and law enforcement. Everyone who uses the roads must work together to make it safer.
For instance, if drivers adhered to the hands-free laws in Florida, it would help reduce distracted driving accidents.
Instead of fiddling with the GPS while driving, drivers should set their destination before they get on the road. The same goes for adjusting the radio or A/C. These things should be done before driving anywhere.
Eating and drinking while driving also counts as distracted driving. It is always best to eat before or after a trip.
If a driver needs to make an urgent phone call and they do not have a hands-free kit, they should pull over first. It is also important for drivers to only pull over when it is safe.
What happens if you do not obey Florida’s traffic laws?
If you text and drive in Florida or are distracted in any other way while driving, you are breaking the state’s traffic laws. If you cause an accident in an intersection or on the highway because of distracted driving, the consequences will likely be severe.
For instance, you may be found at fault for the accident, especially if the other party kept to all the traffic rules and regulations. You will also be responsible for a percentage of the damages based on your level of fault for the accident.
Moreover, you will likely receive a citation for distracted driving or other traffic violations. These may include not yielding or speeding through a red light.
Your insurance rates may increase if the accident results in severe injury or damages. Your policy limits may mean you cannot cover all the victim’s damages.
If this happens, the victim can sue you directly, which means you will have to pay for the rest of the damages out-of-pocket. If the accident results in a fatality or long-term disability in the victim, you could also face criminal charges for reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter.
Living with the death of another person on your conscience will likely lead to guilt and stress over the long term. This can harm your mental health and cause long-term psychological problems.
Just don’t do it
The best way to avoid these scenarios is to obey the road rules in Florida. While you cannot control what others are doing, you can control your actions while driving. If you are alert, focused on steering the car, and not distracted by other things, you are doing your part to make Florida’s roads safer.
