Consumer Report Highlights Florida's Most Dangerous Roads
A study by ConsumerAffairs, which analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation, has identified the deadliest roads in Florida. Utilizing data from 2020 through 2022, the study found that U.S. Route 19 in Pinellas County is the most dangerous, with 94 fatalities recorded in that period.
Distracted driving has been involved in about 8 percent of car accident deaths in Florida since 2020. Thirty-four counties exceeded that share, including Osceola County, with about 24 percent, and Lake County and Okaloosa County, both with around 19 percent.
What's driving the fatal trend?
Major factors contributing to the fatal crashes on Florida's deadliest roads included drinking, distracted driving, and speeding.
If you frequent these high-risk areas or have experienced the tragedy of a roadway accident, it's crucial to stay informed and prepared. Understanding the dangers of Florida's deadliest roads can inform safer driving habits and decisions. However, if the worst does occur, you need to know your rights and options for recourse.
Central Florida's most dangerous roads
Polk County was noted as the deadliest area to drive among the 10 most populous counties in Florida, with 23 fatalities per 100,000 licensed drivers in 2022. The study observed that although traffic fatalities in Florida decreased in 2022 and have continued to trend downwards into 2023, the numbers are still higher than pre-pandemic figures.
There were approximately 19 deaths per 100,000 licensed drivers in 2023, which is slightly down from 2022 but up from about 18 in 2018. Overall, traffic fatalities were lower in 2018 than in 2023, with 3,135 deaths compared to 3,436.
Closer to home, the most dangerous roads in Central Florida include:
Marion County
- US-141
- SR 200
- US-40
Lake County
- US-27
- SR 50
- SR 44
Sumter County
- I-75
- SR 50
- CR 101
Citrus County
- US-41
- US-19
- SR 200
In terms of specific issues, U.S. Route 41 in Lee County had the highest number of crashes involving alcohol, State Road 50 in Orange County topped the list for distracted driving incidents, and U.S. Route 1 was the deadliest road overall with 394 deaths since 2020.
Fatal crash compensation
In Florida, families of fatal crash victims are entitled to seek compensation for the devastating loss of their loved one through wrongful death claims. They are designed to provide financial relief for:
- Medical and funeral expenses.
- Lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned.
- Emotional pain and suffering endured by family members.
- Loss of companionship and support.
Punitive damages may also be pursued in instances of egregious wrongdoing. It's vital to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and help secure the compensation required to cover these losses. If you've suffered such a loss, contacting a lawyer could be instrumental in your pursuit of justice.
Compassionate legal help for families of fatal Florida car accidents
Given the alarming statistics, we urge drivers to exercise extreme caution on U.S. Route 19 in Pinellas County and other notorious roadways across the state. Given the alarming statistics, exercise extreme caution on U.S. Route 19 and other dangerous Florida roads. If you've been impacted, seeking legal assistance can put you in the best position to secure compensation and justice.
The car accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A. have over 30 years of experience fighting for crash victims across Tavares, The Villages, Inverness, Clermont, and beyond. Our approach is twofold: we fiercely advocate on your behalf while tailoring our services to meet your specific situation, extending our hand to both locals and visitors injured on our roads.
Being deeply integrated into the Central Florida community, our law firm understands the intricacies of the state's legal landscape like no one else. Discover how we can help you. Contact us for a free case evaluation. A member of our team is available 24/7 to hear from you, answer questions, and explain your rights and legal options.
"Mr. Miller is a highly skilled attorney. His attention to detail is top-notch, as is his knowledge and experience." - Gina J.
