More than 5,000 car accidents happen in St. Lucie County, Florida, each year. Car accidents in St. Lucie County are an unfortunate reality on our roadways and can lead to serious injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. To help prevent car accidents, it’s crucial to understand their causes. In this blog, we examine the top seven most common causes of car accidents in St. Lucie County.
1. Distracted driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the country. Each year, approximately 3,000 people lose their lives to car accidents resulting from distracted drivers. This accounts for between 8% and 9% of all fatal motor vehicle collisions on roads across the United States. However, in St. Lucie County, distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents. With the proliferation of smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers are increasingly tempted to text, talk, browse the internet, or use apps while driving. These distractions divert their attention away from the road, reducing reaction times and increasing the risk of collisions.
2. Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of car accidents in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie. When drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions, they have less time to react to unexpected obstacles or changes in traffic. Speeding not only increases the severity of accidents but also reduces the effectiveness of safety features like airbags and seatbelts.
3. Driving under the influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant contributor to car accidents. Impaired drivers have compromised judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making them a danger to themselves and others on the road. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can impair a driver’s abilities.
4. Reckless and aggressive driving
Reckless and aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and excessive road rage, can lead to accidents. These behaviors increase the likelihood of collisions and escalate minor conflicts into dangerous situations. Practicing patience, courtesy, and maintaining a calm demeanor while driving can help reduce the risk of aggressive driving accidents.
5. Weather conditions
Throughout the year, St. Lucie County experiences severe thunderstorms. Inclement weather conditions can reduce visibility and road traction, making accidents more likely. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed and driving techniques for adverse weather conditions may find themselves in dangerous situations. To stay safe in adverse weather, reduce your speed, increase following distance, and use headlights and windshield wipers as needed. Consider postponing non-essential trips when conditions are severe.
6. Running red lights and stop signs
As car accident attorneys, we see this cause a lot. Disobeying traffic signals and stop signs is a prevalent cause of intersection accidents in St. Lucie County. Running red lights or stop signs can lead to side-impact collisions, which are often severe and result in serious injuries or fatalities. We’ve also noticed that many of these accidents are also associated with distracted driving.
7. Fatigue
Fatigue impairs a driver’s cognitive abilities, attention span, and reaction time, similar to alcohol or drug impairment. Drowsy driving is particularly common during long trips, late at night, or for individuals with irregular sleep patterns.
Injured in an accident in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach or Okeechobee?
Call Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd immediately at 866-930-6435
If you are involved and/or injured in an accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach or Okeechobee, the best thing you can do is call our office and speak with one of our car accident attorneys. Free of charge, we will set-up an in-person or over-the-phone consultation to help you understand your rights and what your next steps should be.
The Treasure Coast Car Accident Attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd have over 40 years of experience helping thousands of injury victims and their families recover from serious accidents on the Treasure Coast. We’re experienced, local, and on your side.
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