You’ve probably heard the stereotype on more than one occasion: Florida drivers are often described as being the “worst in the nation.” But what exactly gives our state’s drivers that reputation?
First, let’s take a look at some of the hard data:
- Florida has a shockingly high incidence of pedestrian accidents when compared to other states, especially when it comes to fatal pedestrian accidents.
- Florida routinely ranks as one of the most dangerous states in the country for bicyclists.
- Florida currently ranks in the top three for states with the most hit-and-run fatalities.
- Even Floridians themselves routinely rank the state as having the worst drivers in the nation.
These are certainly a lot of points against Florida drivers. But what is it about the state that has created such an atmosphere that fosters bad driving?
One factor commonly pointed to is the large number of retirees in the state. Elderly drivers frequently see their reaction times slow down as they get older. Florida has a much higher average population age than most other states because it is a destination for retirees.
Florida also has a large number of tourists, especially in the Orlando and Miami areas. They may not be as likely as locals to have familiarity with our roads and highways.
There are also some issues with road design in the state. City blocks tend to be longer, there are frequently more lanes and the roads are just generally set up in a way that favors speed over safety.
For further guidance on what you should do after a serious Florida car accident, reach out to a skilled Bradenton personal injury lawyer with Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.