Every day accidents occur throughout this nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2011, 32,367 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. Although this is a large number of deaths, this statistic represents a 1.9 percent decline in the number of people killed from 2010 car accidents. An estimated 2.22 million people were injured in 2011 crashes compared to 2.24 million in 2010—a one percent decrease. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled dropped to a low of 1.10 deaths in 2011; however, the overall injury rate increased by 1.3 percent.
Annual highway statistics change each year because the number of motor vehicle collisions increase or decrease. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has released the Florida Traffic Crash Statistics Report. Some details of this report include:
- Fatal traffic crashes in Florida fell from 2,444 in 2010 to 2,372 in 2011.
- The state number of deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled did not change and remained at 1.25 deaths in 2011.
- Bicyclist fatalities surged in Florida almost 58 percent in 2011.
- Fatal motorcycle accidents increased across the state from 2010 to 2011 by approximately 18 percent.
- Florida teen driver and passenger fatalities increased by seven percent from 2010 to 2011.
- Alcohol was suspected in more Florida crashes—an 11 percent increase from 2010 to 2011.
Although fatal car accidents decreased in 2011, the provisional 2012 traffic fatality estimates released from the National Safety Council show 36,200 motor vehicle fatalities nationwide, indicating a five percent increase from 2011 to 2012. Florida also saw an increase in traffic deaths—a three percent increase during the year. Florida’s 2,442 fatalities continue to rank Florida as one of the top three states in this nation for deadly car accidents, following Texas and California.
Most of these fatal Florida auto accidents occur from speeding, texting while driving, distracted driving, drunk driving, fatigued driving, and reckless driving. If your loved one was killed in one of these fatal crashes, you should talk with a lawyer to find out if you have a case to pursue. Call Mallard Perez today at 888-409-3805 for a free consultation with a skilled Sarasota accident attorney and request a copy of our free book What You Need to Know After a Florida Auto, Truck or Bike Accident.
