Traffic fatalities and crash across the state of Florida have witnessed an unusual spike in occurrences during 2012 according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
According to preliminary department figures, Hillsborough County has played the setting for 137 traffic deaths so far this year -a higher figure than the 115 that had occurred by this time back in 2011.
But, Hillsborough County isn't the worst. In Duval County, there have been 98 traffic fatalities this year compared to only 69 at this time last year.
Naturally, this has politicians scrambling to try and fix this new problem. Florida Governor Rick Scott wants to find out if an increase in distracted driving - texting, calling, etc. - is the reason for the increase in traffic fatalities. He wants the state to study how distracted driving has an effect on the safety of the roads.
There have been a number of bills attempting to ban texting while driving that have passed through the Florida legislature over the years, but the state still has no laws banning the dangerous practice.
Some FDHSMV officials also cite the increase of cars on the road. Other Florida counties witnessing an increase in traffic fatalities include Broward, Palm Beach, Pasco, Orange and Volusia counties.
We'll keep you posted as more news arises.
