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Surprising Florida Auto Accident Statistics You Should Know

You may already know that Florida has the largest number of people on the road driving uninsured, but did you know that there were more than 400,000 car accidents in Florida in 2021?

Although our modern vehicles are much safer than in previous decades, accidents are still occurring at an alarming rate.

Here are some more surprising Florida auto accident statistics that you should know so you can be more alert on the road.

Car Accidents are on the Rise

Statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles indicate that car accidents are more common now than in years past. In the past couple of years, the number of accidents in Florida has risen by almost 23%. This means that there are an additional 130,000 accidents each year on Florida roadways.

With these accidents on the rise, you need to be more careful when you get behind the wheel.

Fatalities from Car Crashes are More Common Than You Might Think

Among the most shocking statistics regarding auto accidents in Florida is that there are over 2,400 deaths each year caused by accidents. When it comes to car crash fatalities, Florida ranks third overall in the United States.

But while the number of car crashes is steadily increasing, the fatality rate has risen only 2% in the last few years.

The Injury Rate is Rising Steadily

While the auto accident fatality rate has risen very little in the past couple of years, the injury rate is skyrocketing. In just three years, the auto accident injury rate has risen nearly 10%.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents are Becoming More Common

In just a few years, accidents involving pedestrians and bicycles have risen by 20%. This is due in part to the popularity of biking in cities and the slow progress in some areas to create proper biking lanes.

Also, many people are driving more distracted, texting, or calling people on the phone instead of paying attention to the road. Pedestrians and cyclists are often in the crosshairs in these kinds of distracted driving incidents. The injuries involved in these accidents can be quite severe.

Alcohol is Often a Contributing Factor

It may not come as a surprise that alcohol is a contributing factor in auto accidents in Florida. Nearly 36% of car accident fatalities in Florida are caused by driving under the influence.

Looking back to 2017, there were more than 6,000 car accidents in Florida that were caused by alcohol or drug consumption. Of these accidents, nearly 4,000 resulted in injuries, and almost 1,000 were fatalities.

Most Accidents are Caused By 21-24-Year-Olds

The statistics reveal that car accidents are caused by people of all ages. However, most accidents are caused by the 21–24-year-old age group.

These young adults often do not have enough driving experience and often drive faster than the posted speed limit or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In 2017, this age group was responsible for more than 66,000 accidents that resulted in 17,000 injuries and almost 200 fatalities.

Most Accidents Are Caused by Passenger Vehicles

Passenger vehicles cause around 270,000 accidents each year, while Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) cause more than 87,000 car accidents.

Pickup trucks cause more than 50,000 crashes while large rucks cause over 30,000 accidents in Florida.

In Florida, PIP Insurance is Mandatory

Personal Injury Protection or PIP is mandatory coverage in the state of Florida and covers the cost of treating injuries caused by an accident.

Though over 20% of Florida drivers are uninsured, it is important to carry insurance coverage and PIP on the road in Florida, because you never know what might happen.

Auto Accident Care

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, visit our auto accident clinic at Impact Medical Sun City Center for a check-up, even if you don’t think that you were hurt. Our team of doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists are here to help you recover from any injuries that you may have sustained.

Don’t wait. If you have been in a car accident, call Impact Medical Sun City Center for an appointment ASAP; (813) 938-5195!

How Do You Know If You Are a Good Candidate For HRT?

Are you wondering what happened to that rested, clear-minded person from ten years ago? Don’t worry they are still there but may be covered up by hormonal imbalances. As we enter our 30s and 40s, hormonal levels can decline and cause unwanted physical and mental changes. If you are experiencing changes in your body that leave you tired and libido-less, it may be time for hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). Located in Tampa, Florida, Impact Medical Group provides this exciting treatment for patients that want to optimize their health. Read on to see if you are a good candidate for HRT.

Generally, when a person chooses to replace hormones, they are seeking solutions to physical symptoms that are happening as a result of said missing hormones. For women this may include night sweats, mood swings, hot flashes, brain fog, and more. Men may experience similar symptoms and also fatigue, decreased libido, and others due to a lack of testosterone. Hormone replacement therapy, specifically bio-identical hormone treatment, creates a personalized treatment plan that may include estrogen, testosterone, and/or progesterone. It has been proven to drastically improve hair loss, insomnia, depleted energy levels, and much more.

So, are you a prime HRT candidate? You may be if you are a non-smoker, under 60 years old, or within 10 years of menopause and are in good health. However, at this time, it is recommended that women with a personal history of estrogen-positive breast cancer and men who have been treated for prostate cancer abstain due to the nature of the therapy.

If you are interested in optimizing your health and restoring hormonal balance within your body, contact the Impact Medical Group of Tampa today. Call us at (813) 283-1910 or visit us online to schedule an appointment.

Why Exercising and Eating Well May Not Be Enough for Weight Loss

Weight loss journeys can be complicated, emotional, and sometimes frustrating. If you feel like you’re doing everything right but not losing weight, it may be time to consider other factors affecting the undesired outcome. Don’t shoot daggers at the scale just yet! Impact Medical Group of Tampa shares why exercising and eating well may not be enough for weight loss.

It’s important to remember that everyone is different when it comes to weight loss. What works for one individual may not work for another. However, there are a few practices that everyone may benefit from.

Drinking enough water is critical at any time but especially when on a weight loss journey. Recently, the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics cited several links between weight loss and water consumption. Staying hydrated can also look like adding IV vitamin fusions into your routine to achieve maximum results. Sedentary lifestyles are another area that does not bode well when you want weight loss results. For this, we recommend frequent breaks to stretch, exercise or simply move your body throughout the day.

Unbalanced hormones can also disrupt weight loss. In addition to managing the body’s fight-or-flight (stress) response, hormones also play a critical role in regulating hunger and mood. Because hormones are produced in small amounts within our cells, even low-dose replacement can have dramatic results. Generally, men tend to lose weight faster than women but total weight loss over time should not be that different. If you think hormonal issues might be a culprit, check out Impact Medical Group of Tampa’s hormone optimization services.

It’s important to have the right tools that can help you reach your weight loss goals. With our experienced team and proven methods, your next chapter can begin with gusto! Call Impact Medical Group of Tampa today at (813) 283-1910 or visit us online to schedule an appointment.

Yes, You Can Combat Muscle Loss After 40. Here’s How

If you have ever thought to yourself, “wow, I’m not as strong as I used to be,” you are not alone. Age-related muscle loss or sarcopenia affects just about everyone. According to Harvard Health Publishing, people begin to lose as much as five percent of their muscle mass per decade after they reach 30 years old. Don’t lose hope though – there are several ways to combat muscle loss. Impact Medical Group of Clearwater shares three ways below.

Pay attention to any hormonal changes you experience. Testosterone plays a vital role in determining muscle mass in the body and can decline with age. Usually, this starts around 40 years old and may decrease up to one percent annually. Introducing hormone optimization therapy can help restore hormonal balance while slowing down the aging process. Working with an experienced health professional can help you determine where an imbalance is and how to rectify it.

Movement may seem like an obvious recommendation, but it doesn’t hurt to remind the masses. A sedentary lifestyle can speed up the muscle-loss process so the best way to avoid that is by staying active. Prioritize activities that increase blood flow and oxygen to the muscles, strengthen brain-to-muscle coordination and promote a wide range of motion to the hips and shoulder area. Swimming, walking, and yoga are all great options.

Load up on vitamins, particularly Vitamin D. Older adults often experience Vitamin D deficiency that can lead to decreased muscle strength. If you are deficient, check with a doctor who may recommend supplements or additional IV vitamin infusions to help restore this critical element.

Our team at Impact Medical Group Clearwater is a progressive, multi-disciplinary medical practice dedicated to improving the overall health, happiness, and well-being of our community. Call us at (727) 292-0200 to make an appointment today!