Put The Phone Down - Distracted Driving Is Growing In North Port, Florida
Distracted driving has become an epidemic on our roads here in North Port, especially on Price Boulevard near Sumter as commuters go to and from work mixed with school traffic. Cell phone use-talking or texting has become an all too common distraction for many people in our area, and this has led to our roads and intersections becoming more dangerous for everyone.
Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, eating and drinking, or observing things that may lead to distracting the driver. By driving distracted, your robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or a deadly crash.
April is distracted driving awareness month for those living in the North Port area it is a good time to think about the choices we make while we are driving on the roadways in and around North Port.
In recent years our city, has experienced rapid population growth year over year, leading to noticable increased traffic on streets, roads, and highways that were once fairly open. As the number of drivers has increased in the area, so has the potential for accidents, particularly those caused by distracted driving. There are dangers involved in driving distracted in the North Port, Florida area. There are also some alarming statistics to back up the fact that distracted driving is a killer.
Distracted driving, which includes any activity that diverts a driver's attention from the road, or has become a significant public safety concern in North Port. These distractions can range from texting and talking on the phone to adjusting the radio or eating. Distracted driving not only endangers the driver but also puts other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, at risk.
Be Extra Careful On These Roads and Intersections In North Port
Some of the busiest roads and intersections in North Port that are especially prone to distracted driving accidents include:
U.S. Route 41 (Tamiami Trail) - This major thoroughfare runs through North Port, from Venice to Port Charlotte, and sees the highest volume of both local and through traffic. The intersections along this route, such as the ones at Sumter Boulevard, or Biscayne, can be particularly dangerous due to their complexity and heavy traffic flow.
Toledo Blade Boulevard - A significant arterial road in North Port, Toledo Blade Boulevard experiences high levels of traffic as it connects residential areas with major commercial centers. Intersections along this road, such as the one at Price Boulevard, require extra caution due to the potential for distracted driving accidents.
River Road - This road, which connects North Port to Interstate 75 and the nearby communities of Englewood and Venice, sees substantial traffic, especially during peak hours. The intersection at Winchester Boulevard is a known hotspot for distracted driving incidents.
Alarming Statistics and Citations
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2020, there were 48,537 crashes involving distracted driving in Florida, resulting in 299 fatalities and 2,706 serious bodily injuries 1. In North Port specifically, a study conducted by the Sarasota County Traffic Operations Department reported a total of 1,045 crashes in 2020, with 229 of those accidents involving distracted driving. This means that distracted driving was a factor in over 21% of all crashes in the city.
Distracted driving has become a significant threat to the safety of North Port's roads and intersections. Local drivers must be vigilant and avoid engaging in any activities that can divert their attention from the road. By staying focused and alert, we can help reduce the number of accidents in North Port and create safer streets for everyone.
In North Port, Florida, an experienced personal injury attorney can advise you on what the best path for you to take will be if you have experienced a distracted driving accident. At Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh we have a system that provides our clients with the best possible representation in the area. Contact our law firm today for your free attonrey case review if you think you may have a personal injury claim due to distracted or reckless driving today.
References:
(1) Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):2020 Traffic Crash Facts.
