Summary
- Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale are the cities with the most car accidents in Florida.
- State leaders have implemented programs to reduce the disturbing statistics regarding Florida car wrecks.
- Drug and alcohol use are significant contributors to car accidents in Florida.
- Understanding the factors that lead to serious accidents is crucial for improving road safety.
- A skilled attorney can help maximize your compensation if you’re hurt in a car accident caused by someone else.
As you might expect, most car accidents in Florida occur in the biggest cities. What city in Florida has the most car accidents? Jacksonville has the most people in our state and the most devastating vehicle wrecks. The following is a look at the disturbing number of car wrecks throughout Florida.
No matter where you live in Florida, the risk of getting in an accident is high. If you ever suffer an injury in a car wreck that wasn’t your fault, The Eberst Law Firm will be ready to help you obtain fair compensation. Please give us a call at 772-225-5566 or use our online form for a no-cost review of your case.
Introduction to Car Accidents
Car accidents are a common occurrence in Florida, with the state experiencing a high number of crashes every year. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were over 400,000 reported crashes in the state in recent years, resulting in thousands of fatalities and injuries. The cities with the most car accidents are typically those with the highest populations and busiest roadways, such as Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Understanding the causes and consequences of car accidents is essential to reducing their frequency and impact.
Disturbing Statistics
There were 392,515 motor vehicle accidents in Florida in 2023, resulting in 250,716 severe injuries and 3,351 tragic deaths. The only good news regarding these numbers is they went down from the previous year when there were 397,618 crashes, 252,168 injuries, and 3,551 fatalities. Hillsborough County, in particular, has a significant number of traffic accidents, highlighting the area’s high-risk status for drivers.
With beautiful weather nearly all year and a constant influx of tourists, Florida’s roads and highways are more congested than ever. The largest cities in our state see an incredible amount of traffic every day, making accidents inevitable. These are the eight cities where the most car accidents in Florida occur. Specific roadways and cities, such as those in Hillsborough County, are prone to the most accidents due to high traffic volume and urban density. Florida cities, especially popular tourist destinations, show a strong correlation with high accident rates.
Causes of Accidents
Several factors contribute to the high number of car accidents in Florida. Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone while driving, is a major contributor to car accidents.
Additionally, speeding, reckless driving, and failure to obey traffic laws can increase the risk of accidents. Weather conditions, such as rain or sunshine, can also affect road safety, and driver fatigue can lead to accidents. Furthermore, the presence of tourists and unfamiliar drivers in popular cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando can contribute to the high number of car accidents.
1. Jacksonville
As the state’s most populous city, it’s easy to see why Jacksonville is the answer to the question, “What city in Florida has the most car accidents?” There were 33,960 crashes in Jacksonville in 2023, resulting in 493 severe injuries and 154 deaths, which goes to show just how serious and life-changing a car accident can be. Vehicle crashes in Jacksonville significantly impact road safety, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventive measures.
One road stands out as a trouble spot in not only Jacksonville but also all of Duval County. Local television station News4 analyzed crash data and found that 337 accidents occurred on Blanding Blvd. in 2020, with 116 occurring at the intersection of Blanding and Youngerman Circle. These intersections are among the locations with the most crashes, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in these high-risk areas.
Other dangerous intersections along Blanding included Argyle Forest Blvd. (90), Collins Road (72), and 103rd St. (59). These intersections rank numbers 1, 2, 3, and 6, respectively, on the News4 list of the 10 worst intersections in Duval County.
But Blanding Blvd. also runs through Clay County. Six streets that intersect with Blanding appear on the News4 list of the 10 most dangerous intersections in that county as well, accounting for 384 wrecks. For comparison, West Palm Beach also reports significant accident statistics, underscoring the widespread issue of traffic incidents across Florida.
2. Miami
Miami saw 26,868 motor vehicle collisions in 2023. These accidents led to 216 severe injuries and 60 fatalities. Certain areas in Miami experience more crashes than others, particularly in densely populated regions and busy intersections. Some of the most dangerous hotspots include the following:
- I-95 – This is one of Miami’s most heavily used highways since it runs north to south through the entire city. The I-95/I-195 interchange is particularly congested daily and is the site of many accidents.
- US-1 – Another major north-south thoroughfare, US-1 is especially dangerous between I-195 and I-395.
- 12th Street – The portion of 12th St. running between SW 1st St. and Flagler St. is another dangerous area, thanks to heavy traffic from residents and tourists.
Miami’s theme parks also contribute to the city’s traffic and accident rates, drawing numerous visitors and increasing vehicle numbers on the roads. Additionally, the high volume of traffic in Miami, driven by both local and tourist activity, significantly contributes to the number of car accidents annually.
3. Tampa
There were 19,290 crashes in Tampa in 2023, resulting in 286 injuries and 55 fatalities. Tampa is among the cities with the most car crashes in Florida, highlighting the need for increased safety measures. One of the worst areas is the intersection of I-275 and US-92, where 536 accidents occurred between 2015 and 2019. While there were no reported fatalities, seven of those crashes led to severe injuries. This intersection is a common location for car crashes in Tampa, contributing significantly to the city’s accident statistics.
Florida’s most popular cities, including Tampa, experience high accident rates due to crowded roadways and the influx of tourists and residents.
4. Orlando
Orlando is another one of the cities where the most car accidents in Florida occur, with 19,246 wrecks, 400 severe injuries, and 40 deaths in 2023. The numerous vehicles on the roads, especially in high-traffic areas like N. Semoran Blvd., Orange Blossom Trail, and Curry Ford Rd., contribute to these statistics. Traffic accidents in Orlando significantly impact road safety, making it crucial for drivers to stay vigilant. Seeking legal assistance after a car accident in Orlando is important to explore options for compensation related to injuries and losses.
5. Fort Lauderdale
In 2023, 12,348 car accidents in Fort Lauderdale led to 239 severe injuries and 36 fatalities. The intersection of A1A and Las Olas Blvd. is one of the most dangerous in not only Fort Lauderdale but all of South Florida, making it a dangerous intersection that should be avoided. Other cities in Florida also experience significant numbers of car accidents, highlighting that accidents are not confined to just the most populous areas.
Universal Studios in Orlando attracts a large influx of visitors, impacting local traffic and accident rates, which is a concern for Fort Lauderdale as well. For comparison, Palm Beach County has alarming statistics with numerous annual accidents, injuries, and fatalities, emphasizing the safety concerns related to driving within the county.
The Role of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a significant factor in car accidents in Florida. The use of mobile devices while driving can divert a driver’s attention away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Other forms of distracted driving, such as eating or talking to passengers, can also contribute to accidents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in the state, and efforts to reduce distracted driving can help prevent accidents and save lives.
Preventing Accidents
Preventing car accidents requires a combination of efforts from drivers, law enforcement, and government agencies. Obeying speed limits, avoiding distracted driving, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles can help reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, drivers should be aware of weather conditions and adjust their driving accordingly. The implementation of safety measures, such as traffic cameras and speed bumps, can also help prevent accidents.
Furthermore, education and awareness campaigns can help promote safe driving practices and reduce the number of car accidents in Florida. By working together, we can reduce the frequency and impact of car accidents and make Florida’s roads safer for everyone.
What’s Being Done to Make Florida Roads Safer?
Thankfully, leaders throughout the state are taking action to reduce the number of accidents in big and small cities across Florida. Filing a police report after a car accident is crucial for investigations and legal claims. The following are a few examples:
- In November 2023, Tampa received a $2.6 million federal grant from the US Department of Transportation to install speed mitigation systems on Rowlett Park Dr., Palm Ave., East Sligh Ave., and N. 34th St. Components of these systems include new pedestrian crossings, new signage, and signs that show motorists how fast they’re driving.
- Florida implemented a new traffic law requiring drivers to move over a lane if they see a vehicle stopped by the side of the road. If there’s no space to move, motorists must slow down to 20 mph less than the posted limit. The law took effect January 1, 2024.
- The state has also implemented the Federal Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Safe System Approach. This multi-faceted approach involves increasing the number of roundabouts in cities to reduce speed and other proactive methods of using data to identify and minimize risks.
Miami Dade County is also making efforts to reduce car accidents, given its high number of vehicle crashes annually. For comparison, Broward County is another region with a substantial number of vehicle collisions, particularly in cities like Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact a Skilled Attorney Immediately
Most car accidents in Florida resulting in injuries involve legal action. Distracted driving is one of the major contributors to car accidents, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on the road. If you’re one of the unfortunate people hurt in a Florida car wreck, your first step, after receiving the medical care you need, should be to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. An attorney will investigate the accident to determine what happened and who is to blame.
Why is time of the essence? The investigation must start immediately before critical evidence disappears. For example, fresh skid marks on the highway can indicate the driver who hit you was speeding and tried to avoid the accident by slamming on their brakes. Also, road signs and guardrail damage could indicate that the at-fault driver was texting or talking on their phone or driving while impaired.
Unfortunately, rain can wash away skid marks, and construction crews can remove damaged infrastructure. Hiring an attorney can help preserve the evidence needed to help you get the money you deserve.
Florida’s beautiful beaches attract many tourists and residents, contributing to higher traffic and accident rates. Jacksonville Beach, part of the Jacksonville metro area, also sees significant traffic and accident statistics, highlighting the need for vigilance on the road.
If you want to schedule a free consultation with The Eberst Law Firm, please use our online form or call (772) 225-4900. We’ll use our extensive experience to help maximize your compensation.
