Surprising Florida Auto Accident Statistics You Should Know

You may already know that Florida has the largest number of people on the road driving uninsured, but did you know that there were more than 400,000 car accidents in Florida in 2021?

Although our modern vehicles are much safer than in previous decades, accidents are still occurring at an alarming rate.

Here are some more surprising Florida auto accident statistics that you should know so you can be more alert on the road.

Car Accidents are on the Rise

Statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles indicate that car accidents are more common now than in years past. In the past couple of years, the number of accidents in Florida has risen by almost 23%. This means that there are an additional 130,000 accidents each year on Florida roadways.

With these accidents on the rise, you need to be more careful when you get behind the wheel.

Fatalities from Car Crashes are More Common Than You Might Think

Among the most shocking statistics regarding auto accidents in Florida is that there are over 2,400 deaths each year caused by accidents. When it comes to car crash fatalities, Florida ranks third overall in the United States.

But while the number of car crashes is steadily increasing, the fatality rate has risen only 2% in the last few years.

The Injury Rate is Rising Steadily

While the auto accident fatality rate has risen very little in the past couple of years, the injury rate is skyrocketing. In just three years, the auto accident injury rate has risen nearly 10%.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents are Becoming More Common

In just a few years, accidents involving pedestrians and bicycles have risen by 20%. This is due in part to the popularity of biking in cities and the slow progress in some areas to create proper biking lanes.

Also, many people are driving more distracted, texting, or calling people on the phone instead of paying attention to the road. Pedestrians and cyclists are often in the crosshairs in these kinds of distracted driving incidents. The injuries involved in these accidents can be quite severe.

Alcohol is Often a Contributing Factor

It may not come as a surprise that alcohol is a contributing factor in auto accidents in Florida. Nearly 36% of car accident fatalities in Florida are caused by driving under the influence.

Looking back to 2017, there were more than 6,000 car accidents in Florida that were caused by alcohol or drug consumption. Of these accidents, nearly 4,000 resulted in injuries, and almost 1,000 were fatalities.

Most Accidents are Caused By 21-24-Year-Olds

The statistics reveal that car accidents are caused by people of all ages. However, most accidents are caused by the 21–24-year-old age group.

These young adults often do not have enough driving experience and often drive faster than the posted speed limit or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In 2017, this age group was responsible for more than 66,000 accidents that resulted in 17,000 injuries and almost 200 fatalities.

Most Accidents Are Caused by Passenger Vehicles

Passenger vehicles cause around 270,000 accidents each year, while Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) cause more than 87,000 car accidents.

Pickup trucks cause more than 50,000 crashes while large rucks cause over 30,000 accidents in Florida.

In Florida, PIP Insurance is Mandatory

Personal Injury Protection or PIP is mandatory coverage in the state of Florida and covers the cost of treating injuries caused by an accident.

Though over 20% of Florida drivers are uninsured, it is important to carry insurance coverage and PIP on the road in Florida, because you never know what might happen.

Auto Accident Care

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, visit our auto accident clinic at Impact Medical Sun City Center for a check-up, even if you don’t think that you were hurt. Our team of doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists are here to help you recover from any injuries that you may have sustained.

Don’t wait. If you have been in a car accident, call Impact Medical Sun City Center for an appointment ASAP; (813) 938-5195!