This article will reveal Florida’s deadliest roads and share some of the state’s most frightening accident statistics, some of which may surprise you.
Florida’s Deadliest Road Spreads
Let us begin by listing some of the most dangerous roads, as determined by data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
• Pasco County: From Denton Avenue to San Marco Drive on US-19. Twenty-five people were killed over a distance of 4.9 miles.
• US-41 from 23rd Avenue to Pearl Avenue in West Bradenton and Bradenton. Over a 4.7-mile stretch, there were 23 fatalities.
• US-41 in Tampa, from North Macdill Avenue to North 40th Street. Twenty-one people were killed over a 4.8-mile stretch.
• US-19 in St. Petersburg, from 54th Avenue North to Queensboro Avenue South. Twenty people were killed over a 4.7-mile stretch.
• Pinellas County: From Lake Tarpon Drive to Royal Boulevard on US-19. Twenty-one people were killed over a 4.4-mile stretch.
So, what exactly caused these tragic accidents? The three most common causes of fatal accidents on these Florida highways were drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving.
Driving while drunk
Between 2017 and 2019, nearly 2000 fatal crashes in Florida were linked to drunk driving. Driving under the influence has a significant impact on your behaviour and reflexes behind the wheel. Your reaction time is much slower, and you may be blind.
DUI charges in Florida can result in hefty fines, jail time, and licence revocation, especially if a fatality occurs. Furthermore, if you are convicted of drunk driving, you must carry FR-44 insurance, which is one of the more expensive types of insurance coverage.
Exceeding the speed limit
Speeding was responsible for approximately 9% of the fatalities on these Florida highways. This equates to approximately 829 crashes between 2017 and 2019. When you speed, it is more difficult to come to a complete stop, make quick stops, and you may lose control of the vehicle.
Driving while distracted
Distracted driving was responsible for 8% of fatal accidents. As a result, Florida passed the hands-free law in 2019. Officers will be able to issue citations to motorists caught texting and driving beginning January 1, 2020.
Unfortunately, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, distracted driving killed 333 people in 2021. This was the highest recorded figure in the previous eight years.
The Florida Highway Patrol launched a campaign in April 2022 to educate Florida motorists on the importance of not driving while distracted and the state’s current laws designed to combat this.
County fatal accidents
Miami-Dade County had the most fatal accidents in the state, with US-1 being the most dangerous road. The majority of these accidents happened in March, and drunk driving was responsible for more of them than distracted driving and speeding combined.
Broward, Hillsborough, Orange, Palm Beach, Duval, Pinellas, Volusia, Polk, Pasco, and Lee counties follow Miami-Dade County in order of the most fatal accidents in the state.
Drive carefully
Safe drivers can help keep the roads safer for everyone and even save money in the long run. However, keep in mind that even if all precautions have been taken, accidents can still occur. Safe driving results in more affordable auto insurance coverage, which could save the average Florida motorist $2,200 per year.
Along with a clean driving record, you can find more affordable auto insurance coverage when your age, driving history, and credit score are taken into account.
Accidents happen even when all precautions are taken. If you were in a car accident and suffered injuries or property damage, you may be entitled to compensation.
Speak with an experienced accident lawyer today for assistance with the claim process. Also go through well known blog on Auto insurance here
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