Common Mistakes by Florida Drivers

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers | Car Accident

Common Mistakes by Florida Drivers

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 1,083 car accidents every day in the state in a recent year. WiseVoter reports that only two states have more collisions than Florida: Texas and California. As car accident attorneys, we have seen the harsh reality of how all these crashes impact lives. By shedding light on some common accident scenarios we see over and over again, we hope to make St. Petersburg’s streets safer.

Alcohol Impairment

Driving under the influence is definitely a mistake Florida drivers make, unfortunately. Of the 395,175 car accidents that occurred in our state in a recent year, alcohol was a factor in 5,132 of them. If your blood alcohol level is over 0.08%, which can be less than two drinks for some Florida drivers, you can be arrested and charged with a DUI. 

As you can understand, Florida takes DUIs seriously. Expect a fine between $500 and $2,000 for your first offense. If your alcohol level was over 0.15%, you can be fined up to $4,000. Subsequent drunk-driving violations can be charged as felonies and land you in a state prison. You can also have your driver’s license suspended, be put on probation, and be given community service on top of these penalties.

If you’ve been drinking, please call an Uber or plan ahead by designating a driver.

Inexperienced Distracted Drivers

Inexperienced drivers in Florida were involved in 44,616 collisions in a recent year. 

Some common mistakes we see young Florida drivers make include:

  • Texting
  • Adjusting the music or navigation
  • Grooming
  • Taking their eyes off the road to look for something in the car or at a passenger, particularly in the back seat
  • Passengers encouraging the driver to look at something on the passenger’s phone, such as showing the driver a funny meme, post, or video
  • Eating and drinking
  • Having too many passengers
  • Engaging in a deep or emotional conversation over the phone or with a passenger

As you can see, most of these common teen driving mistakes fall under what is considered “distracted driving.”

Failing to Notice Motorcycles and Pedestrians

Hard-to-see pedestrians and motorcycles are particularly vulnerable on Florida roadways. Recently, there were 10,306 pedestrian-involved and 9,548 motorcycle-involved accidents in the state. By far, the number one reason for these accidents is failing to see the motorcycle or pedestrian. 

With the high fatality rate for pedestrians and bikers, do your part to be seen. Wearing bright, reflective clothing, especially at night, helps. Additionally, always follow the law, practice defensive driving, and use crosswalks.

Neglecting to Follow Laws

Oftentimes, people get distracted and do not drive with caution. They make mistakes that endanger the lives of others. 

Avoid these common driving mistakes to make the roads in St. Petersburg safer:

  • Opening your door into traffic without looking
  • Changing lanes or turning left in front of a motorcycle
  • Failing to yield
  • Speeding—This includes slowing down when roads are wet and visibility is poor
  • Distracted driving
  • Backing up without checking the rearview mirror

By slowing down and focusing on driving, you can prevent causing an accident.

Driving Mistakes in Florida Impact Real Lives

One car accident can change your life forever. We are passionate about helping victims of drunk and distracted driving, inexperienced drivers, and Florida’s most vulnerable travelers—pedestrians and motorcyclists. If you have been involved in an accident because of someone’s negligence, please reach out to a St. Petersburg personal injury attorney.

Contact the Pinellas County Car Accident Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help

For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg Car Accident law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We serve Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 796-8282

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 349-1728