The city of St. Petersburg, Florida, has much to offer in terms of gorgeous beaches, vibrant downtowns, and scenic roadways. But like any busy city, it does plenty of car incidents, from minor fender benders to disastrous crashes. Some crashes come with injury, property damage, and financial stress.
Learn the Leading Causes of Car Accidents in St. Petersburg
1. Distracted Driving
Driving distraction tends to be one of the most significant detractors to car accidents happening in St. Petersburg. Talking on a cell phone, texting, eating, using GPS, or adjusting the radio-all of these things remove attention from the road in one way or another.
How to Avoid It:
- Keep your phone out of reach or use hands-free systems.
- Program the GPS before you drive.
- Never try to multitask behind the wheel, either.
2. Speeding
Speed limits are recommended in connection with the road conditions and the surrounding space. When drivers exceed the limits, especially on busy roads such as I-275 or U.S. 19, their ability to react to sudden changes in traffic is reduced.
How to Avoid It:
- Always look at the posted speed limits.
- Alter speed according to the weather, traffic, and visibility.
- Give yourself extra time to get to the place.
3. Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs still present a major hazard in terms of critical accidents. Impaired driving will slow down an individual’s reaction time and judgment and increase an individual’s likelihood of being crushed.
How to Avoid It:
- Never drive after taking any alcoholic beverages or drugs.
- Use a designated driver, rideshare app, or taxi service.
- Be alert for impaired drivers, mostly at night or on weekends.
4. Ignoring Red Lights and Stop Signs at Intersections
Intersections give a high-risk zone for St. Petersburg residents. Running a red light or even failing to yield at a stop sign can lead to T-bone or side-impact crashes, generally severe.
How to Avoid It:
- At intersections, approach with caution as long as the light indicates green.
- Make a complete stop at stop signs and look both ways.
- Caution is even more important at high-crash intersections like 4th Street and 22nd Avenue.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is a St Pete car accident attorney. She focuses on personal injury, car accidents, and bicyclist injuries. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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