Deadliest Highways, Roads, and Intersections in Florida

severe car accidents and fatal collisions

The Dangerous Reality: Florida's Car Accident Statistics

Florida's roads see a high number of traffic accidents, with approximately 400,000 motor vehicle accidents occurring statewide each year.

In a single recent year, over 3,300 people died and 252,000 sustained injuries from these accidents.

Florida's age-adjusted death rate from motor vehicle crashes was 17.0 per 100,000 population in 2021.

The state consistently ranks among the most dangerous for motorists.

We regularly speak with families of auto accident victims. These crashes often involve victims killed on impact, those who die later due to the severity of their injuries, and those who survive but suffer catastrophic injuries.

Florida's highways account for a combined 69% of car crash deaths from 2020 to 2022 and are among the deadliest in the nation. The following includes our analysis based on internal data along with public crash statistics, with references available below.

Florida's Most Dangerous Highways

US Route 1

US Route 1 is the state's deadliest road, with the stretches in Brevard and Miami-Dade counties accounting for hundreds of deaths.

Interstate 95

Interstate 95 is the second-deadliest with the stretch of highway on Fort Lauderdale's I-95 between the I-595 interchange and Marina Mile Boulevard being dubbed "America's Deadliest Mile." ^[2]

US Route 41

U.S. Route 41 had the third highest car crash fatalities during the period, with 297. The stretch of U.S. Route 41 in Lee County saw an increase in car crash fatalities from 2018 to 2022.

US Route 19

U.S. Route 19 is a particularly dangerous stretch of roadway with a high concentration of traffic accidents and fatalities. The section of U.S. Route 19 in Pinellas County is the deadliest road in that county, with 94 fatal road accidents since 2020 alone.

For comprehensive statistics and reports, refer to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Other Dangerous Highways

However, these are not Florida's only fatal accident hotspots with several other locations highways and roads with high overall fatality rates.. These include:

Highway	Fatalities	Our Analysis
Interstate 75	248	It is the third deadliest highway during summer, and the stretch in Hillsborough County is among the top 10 most dangerous in the country. The I-75 and US-301 interchange and the SR-60 Selmon Expressway offramp exit is especially prone to traffic accidents in the Tampa.
US Route 27	218	Sometimes called the “Bloody 27” for the number of deadly crashes caused along a dangerous stretch of road prone to accidents near Lake Okeechobee.
US Route 441	213	It has 59 car crash fatalities, the highest on this list. Of the fatalities, 11 were related to drinking, 7 to distracted driving, and 6 to speeding. We frequently encounter t-bone crashes and rear-end collisions due to the frequent stops on this route in the Miami area.
US Route 98	175	Despite being the longest road at 670 miles crossing the Sunshine State, US Route 98 has less than half as many fatalities as the I-10. We most commonly see rear-end accidents along this stretch due to the numerous stop lights on high-speed stretches.
US Route 90	162	The U.S. Route 90 stretch in Duval County had 48 car crash fatalities from 2020 to 2022. Of those fatalities, 10 involved intoxicated drivers, and 2 involved distracted drivers.
US Route 17	152	It averages about 0.43 fatal crashes per mile and the Coastal Highway is well known for the high number of drunk driving crashes.
Interstate 4	N/A	It has the highest rate of fatalities per road mile. An traffic safety study conducted by Assurance IQ laeled it the deadliest highway in the country.
State Road 50	181	At least 61 people have died on SR-50 in 2024, with 21% of those deaths due to distracted driving. The 45-mile stretch of Colonial in Orlando is regularly the deadliest road in Central Florida.

What Makes Florida Roadways So Dangerous?

High Traffic Volume + High Speeds

Hazardous Weather (Rain, Wet Surfaces, Low Visibility)

Inexperienced Drivers

Poor Road Designs

High Commercial Vehicle Traffic

Distracted Driving & Driver Error

Impaired Driving / Driving Under the Influence

Aging Population of Motorists

A variety of contributing factors can lead to traffic accidents. Florida's highways are highly congested especially during peak hours and tourist season, increasing the risk for accidents. High speeds and aggressive driving behaviors further increase the dangers for motorists. ^[2]

Our top-rated accident lawyers handle cases across Florida:

Florida's Deadliest Intersections

Intersections increase the risk for accidents due to the convergence of traffic flows and increased decision-making demands on drivers.

The need for yielding, turning across traffic, stopping, or merging at intersections increases the chances for errors. These errors, in turn, can lead to accidents.

Most Dangerous Intersections

John Young Parkway and Sand Lake Road

This Orlando intersection has been the site of 504 crashes between 2018 and 2022, including 26 that caused death or serious injury. High traffic volume and excessive speeds are key factors contributing to the elevated accident rate ^[3]

Deen Still Rd and SR-33 (Polk County)

This intersection off the interstate 4 between Orlando and Tampa, is ranked as Florida’s fourth deadliest, and has recorded seven fatal crashes over the past 20 years.

SR-19 and SR-40 (Marion County)

This 4-way intersection ranks as the second deadliest in Florida and the fifth deadliest in the United States. It is categorized as a hotspot for severe crashes and fatalities. High speeds and frequent traffic contribute to the higher rate of crashes at this intersection in Marion County.

SR-70 and US-41 (Bradenton)

This intersection South of St. Petersburg in South Bradenton is the most dangerous in Florida, with seven fatal crashes recorded. The combination of heavy traffic, pedestrians, and speeding contributes to it's high rate of fatal strikes. We commonly encounter crosswalk accidents along with rear-end crashes and left-turn accidents.

Sheridan Street and North Federal Highway (South Florida)

This South Florida intersection in Dania Beach near the Fort Lauderdale airport is recognized as one of the region's most dangerous. This crash-prone intersection is a hotspot for frequent pedestrian accidents and fatal collisions.

State Road 7 & Sheridan Street

This busy intersection in Hollywood FL has recently experienced an increase in rollover crashes, motorcycle accidents, and multi-car pile-ups. The intersection is dangerous because of high multi-lane traffic volume, risky turns, hazardous road conditions.

Florida drivers are often in a hurry to get to their destination and tempted to drive aggressively. Florida's roads have developed a reputation for being dangerous, largely due to a combination of factors increasing the risk for accidents. Inexperienced drivers, congested traffic, road conditions and high speeds make for a dangerous mix, and all drivers should exercise caution throughout Florida.

Pedestrian Safety

Crosswalk accidents often result from distracted driving, speeding, or a failure to yield to pedestrians....

High Risk Areas: Pedestrian accidents frequently occur in areas with high traffic, poorly marked crosswalks, or insufficient pedestrian signals.
Common Causes: Distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and poor visibility are common factors in crosswalk accident cases we encounter.
Dangerous Conditions: Inadequate lighting, improper crosswalk placement, and lack of pedestrian-friendly roadways heighten the risk of collisions.
Injury Severity: Strikes often result in severe injuries or fatalities, especially at higher vehicle speeds.
Safety Measures: Enhancing crosswalk visibility, improving signage, enforcing traffic laws, and public education are key to reducing pedestrian accidents.

Why Do Florida Roads Have High Accident Rates?

Florida's high accident rates result from several key factors. Distracted driving, including texting and phone use, is a leading cause of collisions. Speeding significantly increases crash severity, while drunk and reckless driving impair judgment and reaction times.

Inexperienced drivers, particularly teenagers, and tourists unfamiliar with the challenges for motorists contribute to errors behind the wheel. Poor road design, such as confusing intersections or inadequate signage, creates additional risks. Highways and roads with abrupt merges can leave drivers unsure of when and where to change lanes. This confusion leads to last-minute decisions, increasing the risk of collisions. Highways with exit-only lanes or sudden lane drops often force drivers to swerve or stop abruptly.

Heavy traffic volumes, especially in busy city areas, amplify congestion and the chances for traffic accidents. Hazardous weather, like heavy rain and fog, reduces visibility and wet surfaces increase required stopping distances, making conditions even more dangerous.

Florida's Efforts to Improve Road Safety

Florida is implementing several initiatives to improve road safety for pedestrians and motorists. High friction surface treatments are being applied on traffic accident hotspots like the ramps on I-95 to reduce skidding and improve stopping distances on dangerous curves and stretches of road.

Traffic signal adjustments and adding designated turn lanes helps reduce collision frequency. Traffic light retiming and countdown timers for pedestrians has been shown to increase safety and reduce crosswalk accidents. Advanced wrong-way driving systems are being implemented along I-95, I-75, and I-595 across multiple offramps in an effort to reduce head-on collisions in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Public transportation initiatives are ongoing throughout the state aiming to decrease congestion and crashes caused by heavy traffic. understanding the factors contributing to accidents in the state helps support ongoing safety efforts and ultimately saves lives.

Safe Driving Tips for Florida Roads and Intersections

Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road; avoid using phones, eating, or engaging in activities that take your attention away.
Plan for Traffic: Allow extra time for traffic delays, particularly during peak hours or tourist seasons.
Enter the Intersection Carefully: Look carefully for stop signs, stoplights, pedestrians entering the crosswalks, bike lanes, turning lights, or other hazards that can cause a collision. Proceed with caution and at a safe speed. Be prepared to stop for other vehicles and pedestrians who may not see you or fail to yield the right of way.
Keep a Safe Distance: Always be prepared for a sudden stop or unexpected hazard on the road. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and pedestrians to ensure you can stop in an emergency to avoid a collision. Avoid tailgating and don't be attempted to speed to make yellow light at an intersection.
Follow the Law: Follow the traffic laws to reduce risk of an accident. This includes never driving drunk or impaired, making full stops at stop signs, and not running lights. Pay attention when driving and avoid distraction - put down your phone. Drive the speed limit and exercise caution at all times when behind the wheel to reduce risk for all motorists.

External Resources

Recent Settlements

$6.5 Million Settlement Client Rear Ended & Suffered Brain Damage
- Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Rubenstein Law)
$2.17 Million Awarded Victim in Three-Vehicle Crash
- Illinois Appellate (May 6 - Goldenhersh Lawsuit)
$4 Million Lawsuit Settlement in State Trooper Patrol Car Accident
- Washington State, (Terlinchamp Verdict)

Let Us Help You

"With the LawsuitLegal.com team you will receive the respect and fair treatment you deserve. Learn more about how we are changing the way law firms work, one client at a time..."

Find out more >>