I-75 Expansion Project in Ocala Aims to Ease Traffic Congestion
If you’ve ever driven through Ocala on I-75, you know how bad the traffic can get – especially during tourist season or hurricane evacuations. The congestion significantly increases the risk of car accidents.
But Florida officials say that relief is finally on the way. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently broke ground on a $541 million project to widen a heavily congested 31-mile stretch of I-75 between Wildwood in Sumter County and State Road 326 in Marion County.
The project will add one lane in each direction, easing traffic for both local commuters and travelers along what DeSantis called “one of the most used – if not the most used – tourist corridors” in the state. Speaking at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, the governor emphasized the long-term benefits, especially for evacuation efforts during hurricane season.
This infrastructure effort is moving forward 10 to 15 years ahead of schedule, thanks to Florida’s Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, which was created during the 2023 legislative session. Using $4 billion in state surplus funds, the initiative is fast-tracking major transportation upgrades across the state.
How does highway congestion lead to car accidents?
When traffic is heavy, driver behavior changes, reaction times are reduced, and the likelihood of mistakes or collisions goes up. Highway congestion contributes to accidents due to:
- Stop-and-go traffic – In congested conditions, vehicles often start and stop suddenly. Drivers may not maintain a safe following distance, leading to rear-end collisions when someone brakes unexpectedly. Constant braking and accelerating can also cause driver fatigue and frustration, increasing the risk of human error.
- Reduced reaction time – With cars packed closely together, there’s less room and time to respond to sudden changes – like a driver swerving or braking. At high speeds, even a small delay in reaction time can result in a serious crash.
- Aggressive driving – Congestion can trigger aggressive behavior, like weaving between lanes, tailgating, or sudden lane changes in an attempt to beat traffic. These behaviors often catch other drivers off guard, leading to side-swipe or multi-car collisions.
- Distracted driving – Drivers stuck in slow traffic are more likely to check their phones, adjust controls, or lose focus. Even a momentary distraction at low speeds can cause an accident – especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
- Lane merging conflicts – Merging onto a congested highway or changing lanes becomes difficult and risky. Drivers may hesitate, speed up, or make unpredictable moves to merge, increasing the chance of a side-impact crash.
Injured in a crash? Let our attorneys fight for you
If you’ve been injured in a highway accident in Central Florida, the Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A. can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. With offices in Inverness, Clermont, Tavares, and The Villages, our experienced car accident attorneys are well-versed in handling complex highway accident cases.
We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with medical bills, lost income, and insurance companies after a serious wreck, which is why we take a personalized approach – investigating every detail, gathering critical evidence, and advocating aggressively for the maximum compensation you deserve under Florida law. For instance, in one case, we recovered $5.6 million for a claim involving a car vs. tractor-trailer accident.
When you choose our personal injury law firm, you get more than just legal representation – you get a dedicated team committed to your recovery. Our car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. Learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
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