2009 Florida Traffic Accident Statistics

New data shows that 2009 was a safe year for most Florida drivers and pedestrians. Recently released 2009 Florida traffic accident statistics reveal that overall, fatal traffic accidents in Florida are on the decline. The research shows that DUI-related accident fatalities dropped 14% in 2009 while fatal motorcycle accidents saw a 24% decrease as well as a 15% drop in fatal bicycle accidents.

Despite the optimistic appearance of these numbers, Florida traffic accident statistics show that 2,073 drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians (this number does not include passengers) lost their lives on Florida roads in 2009. To get a better idea of how these fatal traffic accidents are occurring and who is being affected, let's take a closer look at the numbers involved.

Florida Traffic Accidents by Drivers and Genders

The Florida traffic accident statistics released by the Florida Department of Highway Traffic Safety report that of the 2,073 non-passenger traffic deaths (including drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians) reported in Florida in 2009, 76% of the victims were men. Here's a quick breakdown of the statistics:

• 1,569 men were killed;
• 504 women were killed;
• 1,119 drivers were killed (778 men and 341 women);
• 376 motorcyclists were killed (367 men and 9 women);
• 99 bicyclists were killed (86 men and 13 women); and
• 479 pedestrians were killed (338 men and 141 women).

Top Accident Causes According to Florida Traffic Accident Statistics

Of the 1,964 fatal traffic accidents that occurred on Florida roads in 2009, 483 crashes (25%) were the result of alcohol and/or drug use. Here is a breakdown of the top contributing factors to fatal traffic accidents in Florida from 2009:

• DUI, alcohol and/or drugs - 25% (483 crashes);
• Careless driving - 20% (386 crashes);
• Failure to yield the right of way - 10% (205 crashes);
• Exceeding a safe speed - 6% (126 crashes);
• Exceeding a posted speed limit - 5% (106 crashes);
• Driver went over the center line - 3% (56 crashes); and
• Ignored traffic signal - 3% (56 crashes).

Interestingly, even though we all know how treacherous it can be to drive on Florida roads in the rain, only 14% of traffic crashes occurred on wet roads and only 000.04% occurred on slippery roads.

Traffic Accidents in the Tampa Bay Area

As far as overall traffic accidents, the Tampa area is no stranger to motor vehicle collisions. According to Florida traffic accident statistics, St. Petersburg has the 4^th highest statistical accident rate in Florida for 2009, with 5,111 crashes (or 20.55 per 1,000 residents). Tampa came in at #6 with 6,788 crashes (or 20.00 per 1,000 residents) and Clearwater came in at #14 with 1,147 (or 10.44 per 1,000 residents).

If you are one of the many Floridians who have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a Florida traffic accident, it's important for you to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation. Speaking with a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer is the best way to get expert legal advice on your potential accident claim.

Contacting a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer

Unfortunately, insurance companies almost never offer Florida traffic accident victims the settlements they need or deserve after a devastating collision. To protect your legal rights and ensure your insurance settlement will adequately address your present and future medical needs relating to your Florida car accident, order our free consumer guide, Your Guide to Accident Claims in Florida: Don't Wreck Your Injury Case or contact a St. Petersburg car accident attorney at the Law Offices of William K. Saron - 727-345-4566 or 866-836-4947.