Florida truckers may rank among some of the most sleep-deprived workers in the state. The consequences can be significant not only for the truckers, who may suffer increased risks of serious health effects, but also for everyone else sharing the road as truck driver fatigue is a major contributor to serious trucking accidents. According to one study released by Ball State University, 35.6% of Americans received inadequate nightly sleep, assessed by researchers as seven hours nightly or less. This is a nearly 5% increase from a 2010 study, which showed 30.9% of Americans receiving insufficient nightly sleep.
Survey reveals steps parents take to reduce teen driving risks
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in Florida and around the country, and distraction is often a factor in collisions involving young drivers. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan suggests that parents are aware of these risks and are encouraging teenagers to develop safe habits both when they are behind the wheel and when they are passengers. The researchers based their findings on a survey of 900 parents with children between the ages of 14 and 18.
Calling police after a car accident is usually the right move
You and many other Florida residents or visitors may feel shaken after a car accident. It can certainly feel overwhelming, and numerous thoughts and concerns may immediately flood your mind. You may wonder what you will do about your vehicle and how the accident will affect your future. You may also feel pain from resulting injuries and worry about their severity. You may also feel uncertain about properly handling the situation overall.
Drunk driving accidents can be deadly
Drunk driving poses a serious threat to people on the roads in Florida. Each day of the year, around 30 people lose their lives in collisions linked to drunk driving. In 2017 alone, one person was killed every 48 minutes by someone driving under the influence. Widespread public awareness campaigns have raised attention to the dangers of drunk driving, which has become increasingly socially unacceptable. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits have been lowered over the years. As a result, drunk-driving fatalities have declined by over 33% in the past 30 years.
Red-light running crashes, and what can reduce their rate
Every day in this country, two people are killed by drivers who run a red light. Florida residents should know that red-light runners impact the lives not only of other drivers but also of pedestrians and bicyclists. In a study of red-light running crashes, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that the number of deaths arising from such crashes reached a 10-year high in 2017: 939 people were killed.
AAA on the increasing threat of drowsy driving
Florida residents may drive drowsily on occasion, but they should be aware that this can be as dangerous as driving while drunk or impaired by drugs. Fatigue can easily cause drivers to lose focus, make bad judgment calls and react slowly to dangers. Residents should be aware that drowsy driving is not only dangerous but also the cause of more car crashes than was previously thought.
