Florida experienced nearly 3,000 motor vehicle fatalities in 2009, according to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles— a 3 percent decrease from the previous year. With tourism season ending and the South Florida summer beginning — and with a fourth-quarter uptick in fatal crashes — this summer may not be as quiet as the last few summers. A recovering economy may very well lead to an increased number of West Palm Beach car accidents.
West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers urge you to stay alert on our roadways as the most recent evidence suggests the risk of fatal car accidents will continue to increase. The increase during the fourth-quarter of last year was credited to the recovery economy.
“As encouraging as it is to see fatalities decreasing on our nation’s roads, the 2010 rate of decrease is less than a third of the previous year’s decrease,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council (NSC). “We must remain vigilant in addressing roadway safety issues where the greatest impact can be made, such as distracted and teen driving. As miles traveled start to rise again from recession lows, we want to ensure the continuance of this downward trend.”
The number of fatal accidents isn’t the only fluctuating statistic. The total cost of motor vehicle deaths, including property damage and injures, was estimated at roughly $236.6 billion in 2010, also a 3 percent decrease from 2009. These costs include medical expenses, wage and productivity losses, administrative expenses and employers costs.
NSC would also like to recognize other influences contributing to the decrease in fatal accident victims. Greater visibility and enforcement of traffic safety laws and newly improved safety features in vehicles are believed to have made an impact on the decreased numbers as well.
If you or your loved one is injured or killed in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm, St. Lucie or the surrounding areas, contact the experienced Fort Lauderdale Law Offices of Dean H. Freeman for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Please call 1-800-529-2368.