According to Florida authorities, this time of year is one of the deadliest on Florida streets, with accidents both on primary and secondary roads. Unfortunately, this can be one of the riskiest times of the year for a Miami truck collision or car accident. Florida even has one of the unfortunate distinctions of being one of the states with the highest numbers of fatal accidents over the holidays, although the Florida Highway Patrol no longer forecasts fatal accidents for this time of year.
Florida officials will be taking part in a number of initiatives to reduce Miami traffic accidents at this time of year. For example, law enforcement authorities will patrol secondary and primary roads more vigilantly through the New Year, looking for drunk drivers, stranded drivers, and speeding motorists. Florida Highway Patrol is taking part in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over program up to January 2 to curb Miami drunk driving accidents and DUIs across the state. Unfortunately, Miami car accidents caused by drunk driving continue to be a serious problem. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 35% of fatal traffic accidents in Florida between Christmas and New Year’s of 2010 were alcohol-related.
Many police authorities will be monitoring the streets more vigilantly over the holidays, even reducing time at home with their own families in order to keep the streets safer. According to public safety authorities, there are several things that people can do to keep safe in Miami through the New Year holiday:
1) Have a designated driver. A designated driver can ensure that you get home safely and ensures that you will not need to return the next day after a night out in order to get your car.
2) Call a taxi. Many taxi companies are extra-busy at this time of year and are working hard to meet demand. Keep some extra money in your wallet as well as a list of local taxi companies so that you can get home safely.
3) Rely on public transit. Using public transit to get to and from holiday events reduces your risk of Miami car accidents and is healthier for the environment. It is also a less expensive alternative to a taxi.
4) Call friends or family. If you cannot drive because you are tired or have been drinking, call someone for help.
5) Finish texts and emails before starting your car. In addition to cracking down on drunk driving over the holidays, Florida authorities also want to crack down on distracted driving. While there is no texting ban in the state, commercial drivers are not permitted to text and drive. Authorities will enforce that law.
6) Report aggressive or drunk driving by calling *FHP (*347). Reporting dangerous driving ensures that police can respond appropriately – and potentially prevent a Miami traffic accident.
If you are injured in a Miami truck accident or car accident this holiday season, the Flaxman Law Group is ensuring that the Flaxman Law Group phones are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the holidays, so that you can always reach a live person after an accident. If you have been injured, the Flaxman Law Group can arrange for a free accident consultation with a trial attorney so that you can discuss your case.