Florida Personal Injury Claims

Distracted driving is a concern in Florida and throughout the United States. Given the number of people who operate vehicles as distracted drivers and the frequency of auto accidents because of this behavior, researchers examine the problem and seek solutions for it. While this is usually linked to texting and driving and using a cellphone for other purposes, there are many ways in which a driver can be distracted. That includes the technology installed in new vehicles.

A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic researched this issue and found that there is a certain segment of the population that is negatively impacted by in-vehicle technology. According to the study, younger drivers are adapting to the new technology more easily than older drivers. People between the ages of 55 and 75 are taking their eyes off of the road for more than eight seconds longer than drivers who are 21 to 36 as they use devices to change the radio, for navigation and for other reasons.

When Floridians are in a passenger vehicle and are sharing the road with a large truck, there is an understandable fear. Not only are these vehicles massive, but they travel at significant speeds and drivers can be distracted, negligent, reckless or under the influence. One issue that had receded into the background was the amount of time truckers spent on the road and whether truck driver fatigue was a factor. The vigilance drivers are required to have with their trucking log and oversight on the part of the Department of Transportation was meant to enhance safety.

Now, however, the DOT is preparing to relax the regulations and this is causing concern that there will be an uptick in truck accidents. With the problems that can accompany a truck crash - injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, fatalities - it is a legitimate issue. Currently, truckers are required to limit their driving to 11 hours during 14 hours on-duty. After that, they must refrain from driving for 10 hours before the clock resets. If drivers are on the road for more than eight hours, they must take a 30-minute break prior to reaching the eighth hour.

As the debate continues as to whether marijuana should be legalized in Florida and many areas of the U.S. that have yet to decide on the topic, research is assessing how marijuana use impacts road safety. There is a known link between being a drunk driver and auto accidents. Driving high is assumed to be dangerous, but as the possibility of its legalization grows nearer, it is important to know the statistics. AAA has examined the subject and determined that, in 2018, drivers who were high on marijuana had double the risk of being in an accident. After an accident, people should consider whether marijuana was a factor. This can be critical when filing a lawsuit for compensation.

Almost 15 million people admitted to driving while high after smoking marijuana. Drivers who took part in the study stated that they believed cellphone use - texting and driving and talking on the phone - were more dangerous than driving after smoking marijuana. According to AAA, approximately one in 10 people who regularly use cannabis become dependent on it. In addition, 70 percent of Americans said that they do not believe it likely that law enforcement will catch people who are driving high. In the study, there were 3,349 participants from age 16 and up.

Distracted driving has been an ongoing concern in Florida. Since the state had relatively lenient laws regarding texting and driving, significant pressure was placed on lawmakers to change the way law enforcement went about its duties in stopping drivers who were texting behind the wheel. A new law was signed by the governor to allow drivers to pull vehicles over if the driver was texting. It goes into effect July 1. However, there are various concerns among drivers as to its effectiveness as the law has certain limitations. With that, a distracted driver will continue to present the risk of a car accident with injuries and fatalities.

Law enforcement can issue a warning after July 1. On Jan. 1, 2020, they can stop drivers and give a citation because it will become a primary offense. Until the new law goes into effect, it remains a secondary offense meaning the driver needed to have committed a separate violation before making a stop and addressing texting and driving. Drivers will get a $30 fine and need to pay court costs and fees. If there is another violation within five years, it will be a moving violation and cost $60, court costs and fees.