With roughly 520 accidents each week, driving around West Palm Beach poses significant risks. Data shows that intersections are the most common places for accidents, with bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists all being involved in collisions.
If you have fallen victim to a car accident in West Palm Beach, you may be experiencing debilitating injuries. Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers are here to assist you in getting your life back on track.
Car Accident Statistics in 2022
In 2022, West Palm Beach County experienced the following:
- 51,181 car crashes
- 4,200 car crashes on average each month
- 816 injuries and 220 fatalities
- Intersection collisions contributed to 330 injuries and 78 fatalities
- 230 total crash-related injuries
- 115 crash-related injuries at intersections
Causes of West Palm Beach Car Crashes
The five leading causes of car crashes in West Palm Beach have been identified as the following:
Distracted Driving
An inattentive driver is a leading cause of car accident injuries and deaths. In 2022, 3,500 people died in distracted driving-related crashes. In a recent poll, drivers admitted to using their cell phones on more than half of their trips. Distracted driving is not just limited to cell phone use but any activity that takes your full attention away from traffic.
Dangerous Intersections
With pedestrians crossing and sometimes a backlog of vehicles, intersections are inherently more hazardous than the open road. The presence of shopping malls, hotels, and businesses increases the amount of traffic at certain West Palm Beach intersections.
In ranking the most dangerous intersections in West Palm Beach, Okeechobee Boulevard and Military Trail were cited as the most dangerous intersections. This intersection experienced 123 crashes in a single year.
Aging Drivers
With around 16% of the population being senior citizens, West Palm Beach is home to a higher percentage of older people than the national average. Although experienced drivers, older people have other challenges when behind the wheel, including slower reflexes and reduced vision. When driving in a congested area, the inability to brake as quickly can be the difference between avoiding an accident and a fender bender.
Inexperienced Drivers
There are over 22,000 teen drivers in West Palm Beach County, making up about 19% of the population. A teenager is more inclined to speed, which puts everyone at risk. A lack of overall driving experience does cause teen drivers to make bad judgment calls, causing other drivers to have to react quickly to avoid a collision.
Aggressive Behavior and Road Rage
Nobody likes being stuck in traffic. Some people who are usually calm may exhibit aggressive behavior when sitting behind the wheel. Aggressive behavior may include tailgating, speeding, cutting in front of another vehicle, and running red lights.
Even though a speeding motorist may be trying to make up for lost time, this type of behavior usually ends in disaster.
Do Not Hesitate to Contact Our West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyers
Although the city has world-renowned museums and other attractions, motorists and pedestrians alike face risks traveling around West Palm Beach. If you have suffered an injury, our car accident lawyers are ready to assist you with your claim. Contact Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa today online or by phone to schedule your free case evaluation.