RSS2020 Marks Large Decrease in Automobile Accidents in Florida
Although much of the news out of Florida during 2020 was exceedingly grim, the pandemic still raging through our fair state did have one mildly beneficial effect. According to reporting from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the number of car accidents that took place within Florida during the 2020 year was dramatically reduced from that which occurred during 2019. While not confirmed, it is believed that this is the result of less people traveling to the state for tourist activities.
Currently, the data dashboard developed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states that the total number of automobile accidents throughout the state in 2020 reached 336,062, with 3,156 of these being accidents that resulted in at least one fatality. In Central Florida specifically, there were a recorded 74,764 automotive accidents, 785 of them fatal.
Now, while these numbers are still high, it is worthwhile to compare them with the numbers that emerged from Florida during the 2019 year. In 2019, there was a reported 401,883 automobile collision within the state as a whole, and in Central Florida there were 91,230.
While the crashes were significantly reduced, it appears as though the fatality rate was only marginally impacted. In 2019, 3,189 of the crashes were fatal (compared with the 3,156 in 2020) throughout the state, while in Central Florida there were 817 fatal accidents (compared with 785 in 2020).
Analyzing the data reveals that the greatest dip in the number of car accidents took place between February and March of 2020, remaining low throughout the summer, and then beginning to rise again to traditional levels during the fall as Gov. Ron DeSantis continued to resist calls to close various industries for the sake of public health.
This decrease in automotive accidents and deaths remains under investigation, and we are still awaiting comment from the Florida Highway Patrol as to their own numbers as well as their opinions on how much the ongoing pandemic played a role in the decrease in car accidents. Additionally, it will be worthwhile to note how much 2021 bucks or conforms to trends in automobile accidents as the vaccine begins to make its way into our communities and travel becomes safer again.
Sources:
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.