Florida residents are exposed to more dangerous roads because the state doesn’t make safety a priority says Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne.

When it comes to laws making Florida roads and highways safer the state gets a failing grade from the National Safety Council (NSC). It found that other states are taking traffic safety more seriously and enacting measures that can save lives, while Florida chooses not to. Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne says state government’s lack of focus on safety results in injuries and deaths that need not have happened.

The NSC is a nonprofit organization that advocates for safety on our roads, workplaces, homes and communities. Its mission is to eliminate preventable deaths in our society. The organization engaged in a year-long project to rate states on actions and policies they have taken, or chosen not to take, to reduce risks and improve safety for all residents.

Their State of Safety report concerns each state’s laws and policies on safety as it relates to road safety, home and community safety and workplace safety. Florida’s overall grade for NSC’s three main issues of concern was a D, a grade shared by 14 other states. No state received an A overall, eight states received a B, 17 states were rated as a C and eleven states got an overall failing grade of F. Half of the states got an overall better grade than Florida while only eleven were rated worse on safety issues.

As far as road safety is concerned Florida received an F, ranking 44th of the 50 states, with 2,983 traffic accident fatalities in 2015. Specific issues with the state include,

• No ignition interlock devices for all first time and repeat DUI offenders are required. These devices would require a breath analysis not showing alcohol before a vehicle could start.
• There is no requirement for rear-facing car seats through age two nor are child restraints or booster seats for passengers through age eight required.
• The state lacks a total cellphone ban for drivers.
• Older drivers need not get their driver’s license renewed in person.
• Seatbelt use isn’t required by all occupants in all seating positions.
• There is no urban interstate speed limit of 55 mph.
• There is no young passenger restriction for twelve months for newly licensed drivers.
• Use of motorcycle helmets is not mandatory.
• Motorists are not required to stop for pedestrians in uncontrolled walkways or roadways.

Though no state received an overall A grade for safety, seven states received an A for road safety.Road safety is no accident. Though putting a law on the books doesn’t mean that everyone will comply, it sends a message as to what’s acceptable behavior and what’s not. Those who violate laws meant to protect motorists and pedestrians can be held accountable through receiving tickets or facing criminal charges, in addition to facing civil lawsuits if breaking the law results in injuries or deaths to others.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury caused in a vehicle accident, contact Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne at (561) 293-2600 or fill out this online contact form. You can discuss your case, how the law may apply and your best legal options to protect your rights and obtain compensation for your injuries.