With summer right around the corner, residents and visitors alike will spend more time on Tampa Bay roadways. Unfortunately, that likely means an increased risk for motorists. Although October has topped the list for the most fatal car accidents for several years in a row now, summer (June, July, and August) consistently ranks as the deadliest season for motorists.
Experts point to the fact that there are typically more vehicles on the nation’s roadways during the summer months because that is when people tend to take vacations. With tourists routinely flocking to the Sunshine State for vacation, Tampa car accident lawyer Dennis Hernandez urges you to take extra precautions when traveling near high accident areas in the Tampa Bay area. While you may not be able to entirely avoid the most dangerous locations, knowing the top accident locations in the Tampa Bay area may help you avoid being involved in a serious accident.
Common Accident Locations in the Tampa Bay Area
In recent years, there have been more than 27,000 vehicle crashes in Tampa and surrounding Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLSMV). These crashes have caused more than 200 deaths and more than 18,500 injuries per year.
While a motor vehicle accident can occur anywhere, some locations in the Tampa Bay area report unusually high numbers of accidents each year, including:
- Interstate 4: Interstate 4, which runs east and west across the state from Tampa to Daytona Beach, has the unwelcome distinction of ranking as the most dangerous highway in the entire country, according to a study conducted by EverQuote. The EverQuote study looked at fatalities per mile using raw data from the NHTSA Fatality Analysis Report System from 2010 through 2015 to determine the most dangerous highways in the nation. With 1.41 fatalities per mile, Interstate 4 has ranked in the top 10 most dangerous highways for six years in a row.
- Fletcher Avenue: From Armenia Avenue to about 30th Street, Fletcher Avenue routinely reports a high number of accidents, many of which involve pedestrians.
- Dale Mabry Highway: Dale Mabry Highway is a main thoroughfare running north and south through the Tampa Bay area. Year after year, a significant number of accidents occur along Dale Marbry, with over 20 accidents typically occurring along the roadways each summer.
- W. Hillsborough Avenue: The portion of Hillsborough Avenue that runs from Sheldon Rd. to Florida Avenue routinely reports an unusually high number of collisions per mile.
- U.S. Highway 301 South: From Boyette Boulevard to Sun City Center Boulevard, U.S. Highway 301 poses a significant risk to motorists, with more than 50 accidents reported along that portion of the highway during one recent three-month period alone.
- Waters Avenue: Waters Avenue is a heavily traveled east-to-west roadway in the Tampa Bay area. It is important to use caution when traveling the section of Waters Avenue from Sheldon Rd. to N. Armenia Ave. as an exceptionally high number of crashes have been reported along that stretch.
- Bloomingdale Avenue: The intersection of Bloomingdale and Providence Rd. has more than its share of collisions, prompting the need to pay extra attention when navigating through or near the area.
- W. Brandon Blvd.: While the entire street regularly makes the top 25 list of dangerous roadways in the Tampa Bay area, West Brandon Blvd., particularly where it crosses S. Lakewood Dr., is especially dangerous to motorists and others on the roadway.
How Dangerous Are Florida’s Highways?
When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, the Sunshine State consistently ranks high on the list of states with a disproportionate number of crashes. Based on some studies, Florida’s highways can be downright dangerous. A report published by News Channel 8 declared that “Among the United States’ deadliest roads and highways, Florida is home to three of the worst.”
The deadliest traffic can be found on U.S. Route 1, Interstate 4, and Interstate 95, with U.S. Route 1 and Interstate 4 taking up two of the three top spots, according to the report. The report cited the fact that Interstate 4 runs from Orlando to Daytona Beach on Atlantic Coast and Tampa on the Gulf Coast, making it a popular roadway for tourists who may be driving unfamiliar roads and be particularly susceptible to distractions. Another study, conducted by Assurance, also found Interstate 4 to be the most dangerous highway in the United States, with a staggering 34 crashes per 100 miles.
Tips to Help Prevent a Tampa Car Accident: The 5 Ds of Driving
While using extra caution while traveling near Tampa Bay’s high accident areas is certainly wise, there are numerous other things you can do to help prevent an accident, including:
- Distance: Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front or behind you.
- Defense: Scan ahead to look for potential problems, allowing you to react defensively when necessary.
- Distraction: Put down your cell phone! Limit other distractions (eating, paying attention to passengers, rubbernecking etc.) while driving as well.
- Daytime: Not only can you see better during the day, but statistically you have less chance of being involved in an accident. Therefore, avoid nighttime driving when possible.
- Drowsy: Get plenty of rest before a road trip and always pull over and sleep if you feel drowsy.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Tampa Bay Area Accident?
Despite your best efforts to avoid being involved in an accident, you may find yourself dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma sustained in a car accident. In that case, Tampa car accident lawyer Dennis Hernandez is dedicated to helping.
When another party causes or contributes to a car accident, that party may be held legally liable for the resulting injuries. As an injured victim, you could be entitled to substantial compensation for your physical and psychological injuries, as well as the financial hardship you have suffered. The team at Dennis Hernandez & Associates is committed to putting their experience, skills, and resources to work fighting for full, fair compensation for you and your family.
You can take the first step toward getting the compensation you need and deserve, by calling Tampa car accident lawyer Dennis Hernandez today at 855- 529-3366 or filling in the FREE CASE EVALUATION form on this page. We will provide expert legal advice and services free of charge until you WIN your case.
