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Nadine Diaz

Attorney Nadine Diaz is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by The Florida Bar with over 30 years of experience representing injured victims throughout Florida. She focuses on personal injury and wrongful death litigation and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

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The legal information presented on this page reflects the professional oversight of Attorney Nadine Diaz and the attorneys at Darrigo & Diaz Personal Injury Attorneys. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.

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At Darrigo & Diaz Personal Injury Attorneys, we strive to ensure the information presented here is timely and accurate. For legal guidance specific to your individual case, please contact our firm directly. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.

Tampa Earns Second Highest Road Rage Fatality Rate in the U.S.

As the cause of 56% of fatal vehicle accidents, aggressive driving has become an urgent problem. And it just got personal, as Tampa reached an alarming rate of 9.5 fatalities per 100,000 drivers—the second highest death rate in the nation behind San Bernardino, California. Florida seems to top the list in this road rage category, with Orlando, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale serving as fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively.

So what exactly is aggressive driving or “road rage?” It can include speeding, racing, tailgating, ignoring road signs and stoplights, or confronting other drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also considers failing to yield, weaving in and out of traffic or making improper lane changes, and passing on the right to fall under these behaviors. Unfortunately, every one of us has probably participated in or witnessed at least one of these habits on a regular basis.

At Darrigo & Diaz, our greatest care in the world is for the community of Old Tampa; and it’s time we become more conscious of our driving. We all have a responsibility to protect our community on the road and preserve the pride of Old Tampa.

Follow These Simple Tips to Stay Safe

1. Get Enough Rest

According to the National Sleep Foundation, tiredness can contribute to road rage, as it leads to a sense of anger and annoyance that affects your driving behavior. So try to get the recommended eight hours of sleep.

2. Plan Ahead

When you’re running late, you tend to be more quick tempered and prone to speeding. So try to add ten minutes to your expected travel time to prepare for any unexpected delays like having to stop for gas or taking a detour.

3. Practice Kindness

Remember simple courtesies and practice the old “treat people the way you want to be treated.

4. Consider Your Driving Habits

Pay attention next time you’re in your car. Do you participate in any of the aggressive behaviors mentioned above? If so, try to make a conscious effort to eliminate them.

5. Relax

You don’t have to be clenching the steering wheel or sitting stiffly to be in control of your vehicle, so you can loosen up a bit. Roll down the windows to get some fresh air and make stops if you need to.

If you or someone you know is injured in an accident, please call Darrigo & Diaz to learn your rights and protect your family’s financial wellbeing.