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Common Driving Mistakes By Florida Drivers That Increase The Risk Of Serious Car Accidents

The Sunshine State has one of the highest rates of car accidents in the nation. According to the FLHSMV, in 2021, there were 401,502 traffic crashes in Florida. Indeed, some accidents are unavoidable. But the reality is that most car accidents that occur in Florida are preventable. As car accident lawyers, we have helped many clients who’ve been involved in car accidents because of different driving mistakes. The following are some common driving mistakes Florida drivers make that increase the risk of serious car accidents.

Failing To Use Turn Signals

Using your turn signal is a simple act. Yet, using turn signals when turning or changing lanes is crucial to ensuring road safety. Using turn signals is crucial in letting other drivers know the direction a vehicle intends to go. Turn signals help other drivers determine how they should adjust their driving in relation to the other cars on the road. As a driver, it’s best to always use your turn signals even when there isn’t another driver behind you. Make using turn signals a habit.

Driving While Distracted

It is estimated that in 2021, over 56,000 distracted driving crashes were recorded in the Sunshine State. Distracted driving happens when a motorist engages in another activity that takes their attention away from driving. Driving requires a driver’s undivided attention. When a motorist takes their eyes off where they are going, their hands off the wheel, or their mind off driving, it greatly increases the chances of a car accident.

When they hear of distracted driving, many people think of texting while driving. But there are many other forms of distracted driving behaviors. They include;

Eating or drinking while driving
Grooming while driving
Fiddling with the navigation system or stereo
Talking to people in the vehicle

Speeding

If, for example, you are late for a meeting, you may be tempted to speed. But it is crucial that drivers avoid speeding as speeding increases the possibility of a car accident. Higher driving speeds provide less time to react. Also, the faster you drive, the longer it takes to stop.

Rushing Through Yellow Rights

You should slow down when you see a yellow light and prepare to stop. Unfortunately, some drivers seem to think a yellow light means ‘speed up.’ Some drivers speed up when they see an amber light so they can make it across before it turns red. This is a very big mistake.

Drowsy Driving

If you drive while tired or sleepy, your reaction time may suffer. Drowsiness also impacts a driver’s ability to make good decisions and makes a driver less able to pay attention to the road. If you feel tired before heading out, take a nap. If, while driving, you realize you are drowsy, pull over to rest or switch drivers. Do not simply roll the window down or turn up the radio. Those are not effective ways of keeping you awake.