Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports traffic statistics each year. On paper, these statistics are nothing but numbers. However, every number represents an adult, child or family affected by an auto accident that, in many cases, was likely preventable.

In 2007, 256,206 traffic crashes occurred on Florida roadways. On average, this number represents 702 auto accidents every day. The 2007 death toll from auto accidents reached 3,221 and 212,149 people were injured.

Approximately 17,000 auto accidents were drug and/or alcohol related. Along with the drivers and passengers of vehicles involved in these accidents, 530 pedestrians were also killed, and 7,529 pedestrians were injured. Interestingly, many injured or killed pedestrians were under the influence of alcohol or drugs or harmed by an intoxicated driver. More than 9,000 motorcyclists and 4,400 bicyclists were injured or killed.

Across the nation in 2007, the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, (FARS), reports the number of individuals killed in auto accidents stands at 37,248. Another 41,059 were killed as pedestrians or bicyclist or bystanders. FARS is a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) system designed to measure highway safety, suggest improved safety solutions, and evaluate motor vehicle and highway safety standards and programs.

If an auto accident happens to you or a loved one, the experienced auto accident attorneys at Lusk, Drasites, Tolisano & Smith, P.A. in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Florida can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Please contact us today to schedule your free consultation.