Florida's fatality rate dropped to the lowest level ever recorded last year as the number of serious and fatal accidents declined in many areas of the state, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
The news was not all good: The Cape Coral Breeze reported that Lee County saw an increase in fatal crashes, despite a reduction in the overall number of traffic accidents. The number of car accidents in Fort Myers and the surrounding area declined, from 5,188 in 2008 to 4,916 last year. However the number of fatal accidents increased to 80, from 77 in 2008.
But, overall, the number of fatal car accidents in Florida dropped to 2,563 last year, from the 2,983 deaths reported in 2008. The fatality rate (calculated by the number of deaths per 100 million miles traveled) dropped to 1.3, the lowest rate ever reported. Four decades ago, the fatality rate was 5.8.
As we reported earlier this year on our South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, many experts attribute the decline to the poor economy, less travel and fewer visitors to South Florida. Accident rates may well increase with an economic recovery.
For now, officials are celebrating.
"While multiple factors influence the numbers, the declining trends are a testament to the emphasis that law enforcement agencies, safety advocates and businesses have placed on saving lives on our roadways," Executive Director Julie Jones said. "DHSMV will continue to work with our safety partners to add to the momentum we have gained in recent years so that we continue to see crashes, deaths and injuries decline in years to come."
-Overall traffic fatalities in Florida decreased for the fourth year in a row.
-Drunk driving fatalities fell by 14 percent to 1,004. Those figures still indicate that Florida drunk driving accidents are responsible for approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities.
-Motorcycle accidents declined by 24 percent, from 532 in 2008 to 402 last year.
-Bicycle accidents fell to an even 100, from the 118 that were reported in 2008.
-Pedestrian accidents declined slightly, from 502 in 2008 to 482 last year.
-Fatal accidents involving teenage drivers fell from 193 to 153.
If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a South Florida car accident, contact the Hollander Law Firm for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Fort Myers: (239) 337-7070. Boca Raton: (561) 347-7770. Naples: (239) 774-7779.
