The Most Common Causes Of Sarasota Car Crashes: Speeding & Aggressive Driving
Nothing like driving down University Parkway keeping pace with traffic, when you see the grill of a truck come up suddenly 5 inches from your bumper then swerve around your vehicle and continue on weaving in and out of traffic like they are in the Indy 500. Encountering people who drive like this is nothing new to Sarasota area drivers, and we are all becoming used to it, however this kind of behavior directly leads to crashes, injuries, and deaths on our local roads. Whether the speeding drivers are on major roads like US 301 or Interstate 75, or worse on secondaries like Bee Ridge Road, speeding and aggressive driving is dangerous for everyone.
According to the NHTSA, speeding contributed to 26% of all traffic fatalities in 2019 (3). Higher speeds increase the severity of crashes and the likelihood of fatal injuries. Sarasota's roads, such as the Tamiami Trail and Fruitville Road, often witness excessive speeding, and aggressive drivers weaving through traffic or running lights, putting everyone at higher risk of serious accidents.
Speeding is a common problem on the streets of Sarasota, Florida, posing a significant threat to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. As accident attorneys in Sarasota who have seen what careless drivers can do to people's lives time and time again, we want people to understand the real impact of speeding on the likelihood of severe accidents and the consequences for those involved in our local community. Speeding increases the risk of serious accidents and injuries on local roads in Sarasota.
Speeding can lead to severe accidents due to several factors:
• Reduced Reaction Time: Speeding drivers have less time to react to unexpected situations or obstacles on the road, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Greater Impact Force: Higher speeds result in more significant impact forces during a crash, leading to more severe injuries or even fatalities.
• Loss of Control: Speeding can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, especially when navigating curves or maneuvering around other vehicles.
•Increased Stopping Distance: At higher speeds, it takes longer for a vehicle to come to a complete stop, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions or striking pedestrians.
Several local roads in Sarasota, Florida, have gained a reputation for speeding and subsequent serious accidents:
U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail): This major thoroughfare runs north-south through Sarasota, and its high traffic volume and multiple intersections make it prone to speeding-related accidents. Notorious spots along U.S. 41 include the intersections at Gulfstream Avenue, Fruitville Road, and Bee Ridge Road.
Fruitville Road: As a primary east-west artery connecting downtown Sarasota to Interstate 75, Fruitville Road sees its fair share of speeding incidents. The intersection at Beneva Road is particularly hazardous due to the high traffic volume and frequency of collisions.
Clark Road: Clark Road, another east-west route in Sarasota, is known for excessive speeding, especially in the areas connecting the city to Interstate 75. Dangerous intersections along this road include Lockwood Ridge Road, Honore Avenue, and Sawyer Road.
University Parkway: This busy road, which runs close to shopping centers, residential areas, and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, is notorious for speeding drivers. The intersection with U.S. 41 is particularly prone to accidents due to the high traffic volume.
Aggressive Driving - Hotheads On Sarasota's Roads Put Everyone At Risk
Aggressive Driving Leads To Fatal Crashes
Aggressive driving, including actions such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and disregarding traffic signals, can lead to severe car accidents. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that aggressive driving played a role in 56% of fatal crashes between 2003 and 2007 (6). Sarasota's busy streets, combined with aggressive driving behaviors, create a hazardous environment for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians alike.
Aggressive driving refers to a range of unsafe driving behaviors that can put other road users at risk. Some common aggressive driving behaviors include:
• Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions
• Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely, which can result in rear-end collisions
• Weaving in and out of traffic: Making frequent lane changes without signaling or checking blind spots, increasing the risk of side-impact collisions
• Running red lights or stop signs: Ignoring traffic signals, putting pedestrians and other drivers at risk of serious accidents
• Road rage: Engaging in hostile or violent behavior towards other road users, which can escalate to dangerous or even deadly encounters
Aggressive driving behaviors can significantly increase the risk of serious accidents in the Sarasota area for several reasons:
• Reduced reaction time: Aggressive drivers often have less time to react to unexpected situations or obstacles on the road due to their high speeds and close proximity to other vehicles.
• Increased likelihood of collisions: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic, increase the chances of colliding with other vehicles or objects.
• Escalation of conflict: Road rage incidents can quickly escalate into physical altercations or dangerous driving maneuvers, putting everyone involved at risk of serious injury or death.
Getting Compensated For Car Crash Injuries
Like it or not, the sleepy, artsy Gulf Coast town of Sarasota has changed a lot over the past 10 years and is becoming more like a busy metropolis every year. With that has come an increase in traffic and traffic accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash in Sarasota, because of a negligent aggressive drive you are entitled to compensation. The Sarasota Car Accident Lawyers of Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh have won over $500 Million for injured clients in Sarasota and Southwest Florida. Call (941) 954-1234 today for your free attorney consultation.
Read More:
The Most Common Causes Of Sarasota Car Crashes: Distracted Driving
References:
(3) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Speeding.
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813320
AAA finds Aggressive driving a factor in up to 56 percent of fatal crashes.
http://services.autoclubmo.aaa.com/traveler/south/2009/07/drivers.html
