Data shows more car crash drownings in Florida than any other state
Data shows more car crash drownings in Florida than any other state
On behalf of Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A. posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, March 6, 2014.
One of the primary advantages of living in a state like Florida is not only the year-round warm and sunny climate, but also the scenic landscapes, lush vegetation, exotic wildlife and, of course, the many waterways. However, recently released figures show that these waterways -- including the lakes, ponds and coastline -- can prove to be particularly deadly for motorists.
According to the figures, nearly 400 people here in the U.S. lose their lives every year in motor vehicle accident drownings, meaning those situations where vehicles somehow end up in the water after a collision or drivers simply lose control of the vehicles.
As if these numbers weren't shocking enough, they also revealed that Florida actually leads the nation in car accident drownings, averaging just over one drowning-related death per week.
If you have a hard time believing this, stop and consider two of the more tragic car accidents concerning retention ponds, which are commonly used as a mechanism for gathering rainwater, in recent memory:
- In 1999, three tourists were killed when their rented sport utility vehicle crashed into a retention pond in Celebration. It took authorities nine months to discover the missing vehicle.
- In 2000, the son of basketball legend Julius Erving was killed when his car went off the road and into a retention pond in Longwood. It took authorities five-and-a-half weeks to find his car despite the fact that his route was clearly established.
Why exactly is the rate of car accident drownings so high in Florida?
Interestingly, one theory suggests that the surplus of winding roads bordering water in the Sunshine State coupled with a surfeit of elderly drivers and a steady influx of tourists unfamiliar with the areas in which they are driving often creates less than ideal driving conditions.
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another here in Florida, consider speaking with an experienced attorney to learn more about your options.
Source: WESH, "Florida leads nation in drowning deaths from traffic accidents," Bob Kealing, March 4, 2014
