What Are Florida’s Most Terrible Highways?
A car accident can occur at any time, and anywhere that a negligent driver is operating a motor vehicle. While this is a true statement, car accidents are much more common – and much more severe – on highways that are highly congested or have vehicles that are traveling at high speeds. If you are a driver in Florida, it is important that you understand which highways are most dangerous and where the most accidents happen, as well as what you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Knowing how to handle the aftermath of a car accident or a motorcycle accident if one does occur is almost valuable information.
The following considers some of the worst highways in Florida, as well as driving behaviors that make being on the road that much more dangerous.
The Most Dangerous Highways in Florida
Some roads in Florida are more dangerous than others. Some of the most dangerous roads include:
- Interstate 95. The Atlantic Coast Highway, which runs from Miami to Maine, is one of the most dangerous stretches of road, not only in Florida but in the entire nation. This highly trafficked road in the country; the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration reports that of the 1,040 miles of the I-95 corridor that traverse through urban areas, 60 percent is under heavy congestion. In fact, the average amount of daily traffic in the corridor is 72,000, with maximum daily traffic reaching as high as 300,000 vehicles. Not only are there thousands of cars using I-95, but thousands of trucks too, increasing the danger for everyone. To be sure, the same source reports that truck traffic totals as much as 31,000 as a daily maximum.
- Interstate 4. Known as the ‘haunted highway’ to Floridians, I-4 is the busiest interstate in the entire country. While many attribute the high number of traffic accidents that occur on this stretch of road to the fact that a grave was built over by the construction of the road – the family haunts those who now drive it – the real reason is likely the high number of motor vehicles and the increasing prevalence of distracted drivers.
- Interstate 10. The 362 miles of roadway that make up I-10 in the state of Florida is one of the main east-west highways in the state (although US 90 has become an equally as popular option). I-10 is a more direct route than U.S. 90, which makes this road attractive to traffic. With most drivers traveling about 55 miles per hour, a crash that occurs on I-10 can be devastating, if not fatal.
- Florida Turnpike. Also known as the Ronald Reagan Turnpike and was originally named the Sunshine State Parkway that goes through 11 counties in Florida. It runs 312.522 miles north and south.
Driving Behaviors that Increase Dangers
The roads themselves are not inherently dangerous; instead, it is the actions of the drivers who use them that present risks. Driving on any road while failing to exercise safe driving habits is ill-advised, but doing so on a highway is even more precarious. Some driving behaviors that increase the risk of an accident include:
- Driving while distracted. Distracted driving accidents are becoming a bigger problem, due to the prevalence of smartphones and other smart devices that are used in the car. Texting, checking emails, updating social media accounts, and answering a call are all extremely dangerous behaviors while driving. In addition to using any sort of handheld device, other dangerously distracting behaviors include eating, talking to passengers, caring for pets or children, changing the radio, reading directions, and anything else that takes attention away from driving.
- Aggressive driving. Getting where you need to go in a quick and timely manner is important, but it is not more important than getting there safely. Speeding, cutting off other drivers, honking, tailgating, and similar behaviors are downright dangerous and put your life and the lives of others around you in jeopardy.
- Not following traffic laws. Whether you are in a rush, are not paying attention, or just do not think it is necessary, there is no good excuse for failing to adhere to posted traffic laws. Traffic laws are in place for a reason: to keep people safe. Falling to signal or yield, running lights, speeding, making illegal turns, and the like are all dangerous and against the law.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident in South Florida
If you are involved in an accident in South Florida, it is highly recommended that you meet with a car accident lawyer in South Florida to discuss the accident and what you can do to recover compensation for your losses. While Florida is a no-fault car insurance state (read more about Florida’s no-fault laws on the website of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) it is still important that you report the crash to the police, obtain a crash report, and file your insurance claim in a timely manner. Further, if injuries in your crash are severe, you have the right to file a lawsuit for damages directly against the at-fault party but must do so within two years’ time from the date of your accident. Further, you must prove the negligence of the other driver in order to recover compensation if you take this route, which means that any and all evidence that you can collect will likely be essential to your case. If you do not act quickly after an accident, evidence may be destroyed or otherwise unavailable.
Talk to our experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Hollywood, FL today
You do not have to live with high medical bills and economic losses after a car accident – you have the right to seek damages for your economic and your noneconomic – including pain and suffering – losses after an accident. To help you to file your claim, you need an attorney who will advocate for you.
A car accident can do more than ruin your day; it can ruin your life. When you or a loved one is injured, let the attorneys at Rosen & Ohr, P.A. represent you. Request your free case consultation by contacting our offices today.
