Some people will openly claim that drivers in Florida are worse than motorists in other states. While those claims are common everywhere in the united states, those who make them in Florida might actually have some scientific evidence to back up their assertions.
A recent analysis of crashes nationwide showed that the state is the 13th most dangerous in the country is Florida. The Sunshine State ranks 18th in the nation in terms of the number of deadly crashes that occur but second in the country for pedestrian fatalities. Motorists and pedestrians hoping to avoid contributing to those frightening state statistics will need to familiarize themselves with when and where their risk is the highest.
There are certain roads in Florida that see far more deadly crashes than other streets in the state.
What roads are the most dangerous?
The deadliest road in Florida, at least based on the 8,965 fatal crashes between 2018 and 2020, is US-19 in Pasco County. The 4.9-mile stretch between San Marco Drive and Denton Avenue saw 28 deaths in just three years.
US-41 in Bradenton takes second place. The section of the interstate between 30th Avenue East and Pearl Avenue saw 20 traffic deaths during the same time. Finally, I-95 between Hypoluxo Road and Woolbright Road in Lantana/Boynton Beach had 18 fatalities in those three years.
Factors that make these roads particularly dangerous include traffic density and the rate of speed on these interstates. Higher speed limits often mean that drivers cannot proactively respond to prevent crashes as they might when traveling at lower speeds. Proximity to tourist destinations and business hubs in different communities can also see massive spikes in the number of drivers and the overall risk of a wreck.
How can Florida drivers better protect themselves?
Obviously, just staying off of most Florida interstates won’t be a very realistic way to mitigate the crash risk that everyone faces while driving. Still, motorists can avoid the most dangerous stretches of certain interstates and can employ more cautious driving habits on those roads as well.
If a crash does occur, drivers need to know how to pursue an insurance claim and when they may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Knowing where motor vehicle collisions are the biggest concern in Florida could potentially help keep some people safer on the streets.