Media post: What are the deadliest roads in Florida?
Each state has some deadly roads where collisions occur more often but when it comes to Florida, it has some of the deadliest roads in the country. Whether you have been involved in a car accident on these roads or other places, you should immediately prioritize your health and consult a vehicle collision lawyer to determine whether you can recover some compensation for your damages and other losses. Here are some of the deadliest roads in Florida:
Interstate 4 (I-4)
Often cited as the deadliest road in Florida and possibly the nation, about 34 fatalities occur annually on Interstate 4 (I-4). This road stretches for 134 miles from Tampa to Daytona Beach and has gained notoriety throughout the years due to the horrendous accidents that have occurred.
For example, between 2011 and 2015, 165 individuals lost their lives on this road in various types of car accidents. The GPS tracking company Teletrac Navman named I-4 in 2017 as the most dangerous U.S. highway. Their statistics showcased that the Orlando section is the deadliest section of the road, while the most accident-prone sections were attributed to the 15-mile drive stretching from Champions Gate to Sea World. Another dangerous section is also the stretch between Florida State Fairgrounds and Seminole Hard Rock Casino.
Most of the drivers caught up in accidents on Interstate 4 are usually young, in their early 20s. However, the most common reasons why these accidents occur are due to distracted driving and speeding.
Some studies mentioned on the official website dedicated to analyzing the car crashes on Interstate 4 suggest that drivers from the southern states are usually more distracted while driving, checking their phones more often than drivers from other states. Rear-ending accidents are very common on this road caused by improper lane changing. A rear-end accident can easily result in various types of injuries, including:
– Whiplash & head injuries
– Spinal cord injuries
– Bone fractures
– Sprains
– Neck injuries
– Back injuries, and others
U.S Route 1
Although U.S. Route 1 is well-known for its scenic views, it is also infamous for its high car accident rates. This road covers the entire east coast of Florida, and it is also often claimed to be one of the state’s deadliest roads, as over 400 deaths have occurred here in the span of three years.
Certain road sections have a higher car accident fatality rate than others. In 2022, there were more fatalities on the stretches of Brevard and Miami-Dade counties than throughout the route in 2018.
Statistics in 2017 often designated this route as the deadliest in the country due to its high fatality rates. Most car accidents that have occurred on this route were associated with speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving. A combination of tourists, local traffic, and narrow roads have generally been determined as dangerous conditions. In many instances, the unfamiliarity of tourists with the road and conditions, or driving an unfamiliar vehicle coupled with their distracted or drunk driving practices have contributed to many accidents.
State Road 826 (Palmetto Expressway)
The Palmetto Expressway is a major commuter route in Miami-Dade County as hundreds of thousands of vehicles pass through it daily. It extends for approximately 29 miles. As one of the busiest routes in Florida, the Palmetto Expressway isn’t a stranger when it comes to traffic accidents.
Its complex interchanges and heavy traffic make it a hotspot for collisions, particularly during rush hours as this road runs through several densely populated spots in Miami, including Hialeah and Miami Lakes.
It connects with State Road 924 travels south through Miami and intersects with other major highways such as Interstate 75, State Road 836, and US Route 1.
The expressway is designed for speed but this also makes it dangerous for inattentive drivers or those unfamiliar with the road. Approximately 1,500 accidents occur on this road annually and are mostly attributed to traffic volume, congestion, and abrupt lane changes. Sometimes, the weather also plays a crucial role in the number of car accidents.
U.S. Route 441
U.S. Route 441 is also known as State Road 7. It stretches for about 939 miles from the southern tip of Florida towards Georgia and Tennessee. This highway runs through several counties in Florida and overflows with heavy commercial traffic, including large vehicles such as trucks or buses. Since the route often sees heavy traffic from both commercial vehicles and local commuters, congestion occurs, and various types of car accidents.
The high number of accidents mostly occur at intersections as this highway intersects with various other local roads and neighborhoods. In particular, the stretch through Lake County has seen numerous fatal crashes throughout the years and the numbers do not seem to go down.
Traffic accidents involving heavy vehicles such as trucks often result in fatalities due to their size and weight. If you have been involved in a car accident with a truck, consider consulting with a truck accident lawyer as you might be able to hold more than the truck driver accountable for your damages and other losses.
Interstate 95 (I-95)
Although Interstate 95 runs through 15 states, the portion that runs along Florida’s east coast often sees the highest number of car accidents and fatalities. This highway also sees heavy traffic comprised of commuters and large commercial vehicles.
One of its most deadliest spots, the Fuller Water Bridge area alone, is traversed by about 120,000 vehicles daily. The combination of high speeds, heavy traffic, and frequent lane changes contribute to its dangerous reputation, especially during rush hours when most car accidents occur.
The numerous entrances that may confuse unfamiliar drivers, especially visitors, contribute to the high number of vehicle collisions. In one year, there were 27 fatalities on the Little River and Golden Glades Interchange alone.
Safety Tips to Consider
Many car accidents occur on highways due to a combination of factors as mentioned in the case of each road above. Although highways are intended for faster travel and with heavy traffic in mind, drivers should always be attentive to their surroundings and adjust their driving accordingly. Here are some safety tips to consider to prevent accidents from occurring:
– Always maintain a safe speed while sticking to the posted speed limits and adjust your speed according to both traffic and weather conditions.
– Considering the general fast-paced traffic, it is essential to merge lanes with extreme caution and at a safe speed.
– Do not change your lane suddenly or drift between lanes. Always stay in your lane and follow lane discipline when changing them.
– Do not neglect the use of your turn signals and use them in advance before changing or exiting lanes. Make it easier for the other drivers to understand your intentions.
– As much as possible, avoid distractions. Do not use your phone, eat, or engage in other distractions while driving. Focus on the road and your surroundings and plan rest stops to address your needs, prevent fatigue, and enhance your awareness and reaction time.
– When you have a vehicle ahead, always allow a safe following distance so that you have enough time to react in case of any changes.
– Do not ignore the weather. Postpone your trip if extreme weather conditions are present. When adverse weather is present, reduce your speed and increase your following distance to have greater control of your vehicle.
– Each vehicle has blind spots. Be mindful of both your own and that of the other vehicles, especially trucks. If you are about to change lanes, always double-check your vehicle’s blind spots.
– Be mindful of your vehicle and subject it to regular maintenance. Make sure everything is in optimal working condition since unexpected breakdowns, especially on the highway, can be fatal.
– Merging traffic can be complex, especially when you are about to enter or exit interchanges. Stay alert and do not perform any action until you are 100% sure it is safe to do so.
Dealing With a Car Accident
Although the mentioned safety tips can significantly decrease your chances of being involved in a traffic accident, nothing can guarantee a safe ride. If you are ever involved in a car accident, consider following the steps below:
Call Emergency Services
Move your vehicle to a safe spot if you can to prevent further collisions and switch on your hazard lights. Contact emergency services and let them know about your situation. Accept medical aid to ensure your health even if you do not have pain symptoms.
Notify Authorities
If you are injured, there was a fatality, or you have suffered property damage exceeding $500, contact law enforcement to report the accident.
Document the Scene
Take photos of your injuries, road conditions, vehicle damage, or the hazardous conditions that might have played a role in your accident. Write down the contact and insurance information of the other parties involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.
Notify Your Insurer
Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as you are able. Provide them with the necessary information.
Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer
Consider consulting with a car accident lawyer specialized in the type of accident you have suffered. For example, if the collision involved a commercial truck, speak with a truck accident lawyer.
A lawyer can help you understand your legal options, establish fault and liability, and see that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your damages and other losses.
