Top Excuses Drivers Give for Causing Car Accidents in Fort Myers
Have you noticed drivers always have excuses after crashes? In Fort Myers, this happens a lot too, and it often leads to discussions about the top excuses people give for causing Fort Myers car accidents. They blame the weather or accuse others for accidents. These excuses often reveal driving habits more than real reasons.
Key Takeaways
Drivers often say rain or sun glare caused accidents. Being careful and changing how you drive can stop crashes.
Some drivers blame others, like other drivers or walkers. Driving carefully helps you handle surprises on the road.
Things like using GPS or grabbing items distract drivers. Pay attention to driving to keep everyone safe.
Environmental Factors: Common Reasons Drivers Give for Fort Myers Car Crashes
Rain Made Driving Hard
Have you heard someone blame rain for a crash? It's a common excuse in Fort Myers. Sudden rainstorms happen often and make driving tough. Rain makes it hard to see and roads slippery. Wet roads make stopping quickly harder. Sharp turns or faded signs are worse when it's raining. Driving at night in bad weather is even riskier. Dark areas, like Estero Boulevard and Old San Carlos Boulevard, are extra dangerous.
The Sun Was Too Bright
Another excuse is blaming the sun. Drivers say they couldn’t see because of sunlight. Bright sun during sunrise or sunset can be blinding. But drivers must still stay safe. Sun visors or sunglasses can help block glare. Crashes from sun glare often happen during busy traffic times. Early mornings and late afternoons already have more accidents. Adding sun glare makes things even worse.
Roads Were Too Slippery
Slippery roads are another reason drivers give for crashes. Rain or fog makes roads slick and cars skid. Potholes or flying debris can cause sudden swerves. Bad weather makes it harder to see and react fast. These problems are real but don’t excuse unsafe driving. Slowing down and paying attention can prevent crashes, even on slippery roads.
Blaming Others: Common Excuses Drivers Use
The Other Driver Came Out of Nowhere
Have you heard someone say, “That car came out of nowhere”? This is a very common excuse after accidents. But cars don’t just appear suddenly. Usually, the driver wasn’t looking or missed checking blind spots.
In Fort Myers, crashes increase during tourist season, from January to April. Tourists often don’t know the roads and make sudden moves. They might change lanes quickly or stop without warning, causing accidents. March is the worst month, with 40% more crashes than normal. These accidents show why staying alert is so important.
They Didn’t Use Their Turn Signal
Another excuse is blaming others for not using turn signals. It’s annoying when drivers don’t signal, but it doesn’t remove your responsibility. Defensive driving means being ready for surprises, even if others break rules.
In Lee County, over 14,000 crashes happened in 2024. Many involved sudden turns or lane changes. Tourists using GPS often miss turns and swerve without signaling. This causes confusion, especially on busy roads like Colonial Boulevard.
A Pedestrian Jumped in Front of Me
Some drivers blame pedestrians, saying they “came out of nowhere.” But in Fort Myers, pedestrian accidents are a big problem. In 2022, there were 205 crashes involving pedestrians, with 10 deaths. Seniors over 70 made up 38% of these deaths.
Most of these crashes happen at night when it’s hard to see. Intersections like Colonial Boulevard and Fowler Street are especially risky. High speeds and quick lane changes make them dangerous. Pedestrians should be careful, but drivers need to slow down and watch closely.
Distracted Driving: Common Reasons Drivers Lose Focus
I Wasn’t Using My Phone, Just Checking GPS
This is a common excuse drivers give. They say they weren’t texting but only looking at their GPS. It might seem harmless, but using GPS while driving is very distracting. Studies show it’s even worse than texting. Why? Because it makes you look away from the road longer.
Even a quick glance at your GPS for over 2.5 seconds can cause problems. You might drift into another lane or miss a traffic light. In Fort Myers, where traffic gets busy, this can lead to accidents. Switching between GPS and driving slows your reaction time for up to five minutes. That’s a long time to not be fully alert.
Type of Distraction | How It Affects Driving |
|---|---|
Using GPS while driving | More distracting than texting |
Looking at GPS for over 2.5 seconds | Causes lane drifting and less awareness |
Switching between GPS and driving | Slows reactions for up to 5 minutes |
I Was Grabbing Something
Another excuse is, “I was just grabbing something.” It sounds simple, but reaching for things while driving makes crashes eight times more likely. Whether it’s picking up a drink, fixing the radio, or grabbing a dropped phone, these actions are dangerous.
In Fort Myers, where traffic can change quickly, even a small distraction can cause big problems. Imagine driving on Colonial Boulevard and swerving because you reached for something. It’s a risky move that can lead to accidents.
I Was Talking to Someone in the Car
Talking to passengers might seem safe, but it’s another way drivers lose focus. A fun chat can take your mind off the road. You might miss a stop sign, not see a pedestrian, or react too slowly to a sudden stop.
This is especially dangerous in busy areas like downtown Fort Myers. Heavy traffic and lots of pedestrians make distractions even riskier. While talking is normal, staying focused on driving is more important. A quick joke or argument isn’t worth causing an accident.
Mechanical Problems: Common Reasons Drivers Give for Car Trouble
My Brakes Didn’t Work
Have you heard someone say, “My brakes stopped working”? Many drivers use this excuse after a crash. Brake problems can happen, but it’s often from bad upkeep. Ignoring squeaky sounds or leaking brake fluid can cause issues.
Brake troubles cause 22% of crashes from car problems. Most of these accidents could be avoided with regular check-ups. Not taking care of your brakes is dangerous for everyone on the road.
The Car Wouldn’t Stop
Some drivers say their car wouldn’t stop in time. This usually means they didn’t keep up with maintenance. Worn tires, bad brakes, or stuck pedals can make stopping hard. But these problems don’t just appear suddenly.
In Fort Myers, heavy traffic makes car upkeep even more important. Trucks often have brake issues, causing accidents. Over half of truck crashes involve mechanical problems. Regular repairs can stop these dangers before they happen.
My Tire Blew Out
Tire blowouts are another excuse drivers give. They blame the road or weather, but most blowouts happen from low tire pressure or old tires. Florida’s heat makes this worse. Hot tires can break down fast and blow out.
About 90% of blowouts come from underinflated tires. Driving fast or on rough roads makes it riskier. Tire problems cause 78,000 crashes each year, leading to injuries and deaths. Checking tire pressure and replacing worn tires can prevent accidents.
Creative Justifications: Unbelievable Excuses Drivers Give
A Squirrel Ran Across the Road
Have you ever heard someone blame a squirrel for causing a car accident? It might sound silly, but this is one of the most-used excuses drivers give. They claim they swerved to avoid hitting the tiny creature, only to end up hitting something—or someone—else. While it’s natural to want to protect animals, you still need to stay in control of your car. Swerving suddenly can lead to bigger problems, especially on busy roads in Fort Myers. If you see a squirrel, it’s better to slow down safely than to make a sharp turn that could cause a crash.
I Thought I Could Make the Light
This is a classic excuse. Drivers often say they thought they could beat the red light, only to cause an accident in the process. Rushing through a yellow light might seem harmless, but it’s one of the leading causes of crashes at intersections. In Fort Myers, intersections like Colonial Boulevard and Cleveland Avenue are already high-risk areas. Trying to “make the light” only adds to the danger. Instead of speeding up, slow down and stop when the light turns yellow. It’s better to wait a few seconds than to risk a collision.
Consequences of Making Excuses in Fort Myers Car Crashes
Legal Problems
Blaming things like the sun or slippery roads won’t help. Florida law says drivers must stay careful, no matter what. Saying another car "came out of nowhere" can make you seem careless. Courts may fine you, sue you, or take your license. It’s smarter to admit mistakes than face worse trouble later.
Insurance Issues
Excuses don’t fool insurance companies. If you say brakes failed or blame a squirrel, they’ll check. They might find bad car care or distracted driving caused the crash. This could mean denied claims or higher insurance costs. Insurers know when drivers aren’t truthful. Being honest helps avoid big problems.
Effects on Driving Records
Excuses won’t stop accidents from hurting your driving record. If it’s your fault, it stays on your record for years. This raises insurance prices and makes getting coverage harder. Too many crashes can even suspend your license. A clean record shows safe driving, while accidents show the opposite. Drive safely and skip excuses to protect your record.
In Fort Myers, drivers often use excuses for their mistakes. Blaming weather or distractions doesn’t fix the harm done. Taking responsibility and driving safely can make roads safer for all.
FAQ
What should you do if another driver blames you?
Stay calm and collect proof. Take pictures, share details, and note witnesses. Don’t argue or admit fault right away.
Can excuses help you avoid blame for a crash?
Not really. Even with a reason like bad weather, you must drive carefully and follow the rules.
How can you avoid distractions while driving?
Put your phone away, set GPS before starting, and don’t eat or grab things. Staying focused helps keep everyone safe
.The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.