By Michael Babboni
In recent years, the state of Florida has seen record numbers of traffic fatalities. In 2020, despite the decreased driving numbers caused by the pandemic, there was still an eight percent year-over-year increase in traffic fatalities from 2019, which had been a record year for the state.
Other statistics that are some cause for alarm:
- Large truck involvement in fatal accidents increased by more than four percent in a year’s time
- Fatalities in crashes involving these large trucks have increased by 36 percent since 2010
- Injuries in crashes involving large trucks increased by 96 percent since 2010
What is causing this sudden explosion in truck accident injuries and fatalities?
Increased warehousing and logistics a driving factor
Simply put, there are more trucks on the roads in the last decade, and this is largely due to a substantial increase in warehousing and logistics services, as more people are doing their shopping from home. More goods are being shipped from place to place, and more people are using last-mile delivery services to have items of all sizes and types delivered right to their doorstep.
Central Florida in particular is a natural center of warehousing and logistics, as it is located centrally in the state and has a lot of highways flowing to and from the region. The state has also seen an influx of residents, with certain portions of the state being among the fastest-growing regions of the country.
While the increase in warehousing and logistics certainly has its benefits to the economy, it is also almost certainly a key factor in the increase of trucking accidents.
However, there are other factors that may also play a role in that increase. For example, the proliferation of mobile devices that can become a distraction behind the wheel. Texting while driving or using apps while driving is a serious problem throughout the country and is a leading cause of car accidents falling under the “distracted driving” umbrella.
For more information about the factors that lead to trucking accidents and the steps to take if you have been a victim of a truck accident caused by a negligent driver, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.