Distractions come in three types: visual, manual, and cognitive, which means distracted driving is anything that takes your hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or mind off driving. Drivers who are texting or talking on cell phones, adjusting the radio, eating and drinking, putting on makeup, or interacting with other passengers can he held liable for damages caused by their negligent behavior. Even at 50 mph, a focused driver will need roughly the length of a football field to come to a complete stop.

Aggressive drivers make the roads less safe for everyone by their risky behavior. You can identify aggressive drivers by their excessive speeding, tailgating, quick and unannounced lane changes, “rolling stops,” or just general disregard for the rules of road and the other drivers. This dangerous driving style, together with even minor distractions, can cause tragic accidents.

Drunk driving is one of the top causes of road fatalities in Florida and it is entirely avoidable. On top of that, there is a growing threat posed by drivers who are impaired by drugs and prescription medications. In fact, traffic stops for impaired driving have outpaced DUI stops recently. Impaired drivers can be on the road at any hour of the day since many drivers who are pulled over taking doctor-prescribed medications. However, these drivers are no less dangerous than someone who has been drinking.

Drunk or impaired driving accounts for a disproportionate number of fatalities each year. In 2019, Florida had:

• 379 impaired driving crashes
• 307 impaired driving fatalities

That is an 81% fatality rate!

Occasionally, car accidents are caused by unsafe conditions of the roads themselves. Potholes and uneven pavement, poorly designed shoulders or exits, or improperly maintained road safety measures can all contribute to car crashes. In these instances, state and local government entities, property management companies, and private businesses can sometimes be held liable for the damages.

Anyone who lives in the “Sunshine” state knows that the sky can go from clear and blue to grey and rainy at the drop of a hat, especially during hurricane season. When sudden downpours or more violent storms pass through, they create acutely hazardous road conditions. High winds and rain can decrease visibility and control and increase the likelihood of a car accident, especially on crowded highways and interstates.

Regular oil changes help keep a car’s engine running smoothly. The same is true of other critical components of a car’s mechanical skeleton. Florida does not have state-required car safety inspections, but cars need regular maintenance to ensure they work properly and can be driven safely. If drivers choose to drive with bad brakes, worn down tire treads, or poor windshield wipers, they can be held liable for accidents caused by their failure to maintain a car’s essential safety measures.