Do you ever feel like it’s disproportionately dangerous to drive in Florida? Maybe you see people make significant mistakes on a consistent basis. Perhaps you’ve been involved in accidents that other drivers caused. You just know that you face significant risks on the roads that are outside of your hands control.
There are risks every time you drive, but Florida is not the worst state for driver safety. In one study that ranked all 51 states and the District of Columbia, Florida ranked 23rd overall. This puts it roughly in the middle of the pack. The study looked at negligent driving data and fatality rates, pulling that information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Which state was the most dangerous?
The state in the No. 1 spot was Montana. This may be surprising because it is a rural state with a low population. But both of those factors actually influence the high fatality rates. Because the population is low, every fatality is a far greater percentage of the total than it would be in a state like Texas or California. Additionally, because Montana has a lot of rural roads, speed limits tend to be higher, increasing the odds of fatalities.
On the other end of the spectrum, New Jersey ranked 51st overall. It is a relatively small and urban state. This often means that traffic moves at a slower speed, reducing the number of fatalities – even if there are more accidents overall.
Have you suffered injuries?
Have you been injured in an accident caused by another driver in Florida? If you have, you may deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other costs.