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The Dangers of Drowsy Driving in Florida

Florida is not known for its good drivers. In fact, each year there are approximately 3,000 fatalities caused by Florida car accidents. Perhaps not surprisingly for those who have spent much time navigating Florida roads, a recent study lists Florida as second among all 50 states for the number of car accidents caused by careless driving.

The category of careless driving encompasses a number of poor driving habits, most notably distracted driving and fatigued driving. These two categories compose the lion’s share of all Florida car accidents, with speeding and drunk driving rounding out the major causes.

Of course, all Florida motorists have a duty to those with whom they share the road to ensure that they are operating their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. This includes the decisions a driver makes while behind the wheel, but also it calls into the question the decision the driver makes to get behind the wheel in the first place.

Studies have consistently shown the hazards of fatigued driving. Most notable among them are the increased reaction time drivers suffer as a result of being tired, as well as the corresponding decrease in one’s ability to exercise sound judgment. As fatigue sets in, drivers think about their actions less. This inevitably leads to more Florida car accidents.

Fatigue Driving Cited as Cause of Florida Toll-Booth Accident

Recently, five people were hospitalized after the driver of the SUV they were passengers in crashed head-on into a cement barrier at a Florida toll booth. According to a recent news report covering the accident, the toll booth was located on the Florida Turnpike near St. Cloud, in Osceola County.

A surveillance camera caught the accident on tape, and showed the white SUV approaching the toll booth at a high speed, crashing through the warning cones in front of the booth, and then squarely colliding with the cement barrier that divided two of the lanes.

Immediately upon impact, one of the passengers inside the SUV was thrown out the front window some 60 feet from the site of the crash. The vehicle launched into the air and then caught fire as it landed. Miraculously, all five people inside the SUV survived the accident with varying injuries. In a post-accident investigation, police determined that the cause of the accident was driver fatigue.

Have You Been the Victim of a Dangerous Florida Driver?

If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of a Florida car accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation, and the dedicated South Florida injury lawyers at the law firm of Cecere Santana may be able to help. At Cecere Santana, we have positioned our firm to be a valuable resource to Florida accident victims. We focus on providing zealous representation, helping victims obtain fair compensation from those responsible for their injuries. With decades of experience, you can trust Cecere Santana to handle your case with professionalism and integrity. Call 800-753-5529 to schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case with one of our Florida injury lawyers.

See Additional Blog Posts:

Hardware Store’s Motion for Summary Judgment Denied in Recent Florida Premises Liability Case, South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog, July 6, 2018.

Florida Roller Coaster Derails, What Are the Victims’ Rights?, South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog, published June 26, 2018.

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