Here in Okaloosa County, we are already approaching the peak summer tourist season. Early May is a time for late-term spring breakers and new graduates to descend on the beach towns like Fort Walton with their exuberant partying.
Locals have a love-hate relationship with the tourists who flock to our gorgeous Emerald Coast beaches. On one hand, natives depend upon the tourist dollars to fund their communities and fill their wallets. On the other, the undisciplined partying that is often accompanied by drinking and driving leaves wounds that sometimes never heal.
Running the numbers
Okaloosa County statistics from a recent three-year period indicated the following occurred from 2018-2020:
- The average number of annual collisions in the county was nearly 3,400
- 111 individuals died in highway accidents
- Another 6,184 suffered injuries
- For property damage only, there were 1,968 accidents
- Commercial accidents in this period totaled 688
- There were almost 300 motorcycle collisions (and 19 fatalities)
- Roughly 66 collisions were alcohol-related
- Eight people died in crashes related to drinking and driving
- There were 22 pedestrian deaths and 231 wrecks that involved pedestrians
These totals may be higher due to unreported accidents and/or injuries.
Causes and contributors to Fort Walton wrecks
All of the below examples can cause a serious accident:
- Reckless driving, or “stunting”
- Speeding and road rage
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Drowsy driving
- Tailgating
- Changing lanes improperly
Drinking and driving is a negligent and dangerous behavior that can leave fatal consequences and grieving family members left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, learning more about the Florida personal injury and wrongful death laws may help you find civil justice for your damages and losses.