Florida has nearly 1,500 miles of interstates and auxiliary highways that crisscross the state. Along those miles were some of the deadliest in the nation for drivers from 2011 to 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatal Accident Reporting System. But, according to the World Health Organization, the United States ranks in the top 25 for safest roads per billion kilometers driven. If you’ve been injured while driving on any of Florida’s highways, contact the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., a personal injury law firm in Orlando.

Florida Highways By The Numbers

Four interstates and one U.S. highway in Florida led the nation in fatal accidents from 2011 to 2015 according to the NHTSA.

Interstate 4

Though it’s only 132 miles in length, I-4 led the nation in traffic fatalities per mile from 2011 to 2015. During that time, 165 people were killed along I-4 with an average of 1.25 fatalities per mile. The most common month for a fatal accident was January while the 10th day of the month and/or Sunday were the most common date and day. Orlando, FL was found to be the deadliest city along I-4, with 2:00-2:59 a.m. being the most common single hour of the day for fatal accidents.

Interstate 10

Though no Florida city was found to have the highest number of fatalities along I-10, it’s worth noting as it stretches 362 miles throughout the northern edge of the state, ending in Jacksonville, FL. There were an average of 0.703 fatalities per mile along I-10 from 2011 to 2015, with July being the most common month, on the first of the month and Saturdays from 1:00-1:59 a.m.

Interstate 95

Stretching from Miami to Weston, MA, I-95 had 1,402 total traffic fatalities from 2011 to 2015, averaging 0.730 per mile. Jacksonville, FL was noted as the deadliest city with July as the most common month for accidents, on the first of the month, and Sundays between 1-1:59 a.m.

U.S. Highway 192

A mere 75 miles long, U.S. Highway 192 ranked third with 65 total traffic fatalities for an average of 0.867 per mile. The majority of these accidents occurred in Melbourne, FL with October as the most common month for accidents, with the majority of accident occurring on the eighth day of the month, and on a Friday from 10-10:59 p.m.

Interstate 75

I-75 makes the list due to its terminus in Miami Lakes, FL. On the whole, I-75 averaged 0.599 fatalities per mile with 1,070 total fatalities. August was the leading month, on the 30th day and Sundays for fatal accidents. Most occurred between 3:00-3:59 p.m.

Most Common First Harmful Events

Let’s first take a look at what a first harmful event is. A first harmful event is the first injury or damage-producing event that characterizes the accident type. In the report, the most common first harmful events throughout the country were:

  • Motor vehicle in transport
  • Overturn or rollover
  • Pedestrian
  • Parked motor vehicle
  • Guardrail face
  • Embankment
  • Tree

The U.S. Department of Transportation defines motor vehicle in transport as one vehicle in motion colliding with another on a roadway.

For I-4, motor vehicle in transport was the leading first harmful event, followed by overturn and pedestrian. Along U.S. Highway 192, pedestrian, motor vehicle in transport, and overturn were the leading first harmful events. The other Florida highways were:

  • I-95: Motor vehicle in transport, overturn, and tree impact.
  • I-10: Motor vehicle in transport, overturn, and pedestrian.
  • I-75: Motor vehicle in transport, overturn, and pedestrian.

Tips To Drive Safely on Florida Highways

Safe driving can be viewed as a series of conscious choices you make each time you get behind the wheel. These choices include driving defensively, reducing your speed, not driving drunk, and always wearing a seatbelt.

Drive Defensively

You’ve likely heard the phrase “drive defensively,” but this popular phrase is also an all-encompassing safe driving technique. Defensive drivers look ahead and expect the unexpected, aided by controlling their speed and following other vehicles from a safe distance. They’re also alert and distraction-free, meaning the radio and climate controls were set before driving down the road and all cell phone calls and texts are waiting to be returned when they arrive at their destination.

Reduce Your Speed

If you’re running late or trying to save time, you should know that speeding saves you very few minutes. Plus, speeding is a prevalent factor in all traffic crashes. Don’t jeopardize your safety and the safety of others by speeding; plan ahead and/or leave earlier.

Don’t Drink & Drive

One person died every 50 minutes in the United States in 2016 due to drunk driving, according to the NHTSA. The choice to drive drunk was the leading cause of all reckless driving accidents in the nation last year. Avoid drunk driving by calling a friend or cab for a ride.

Wear Your Seatbelt

Many people know seatbelts save lives, yet the NHTSA has found more than half of all fatal accidents could have been simply accidents had someone worn a seatbelt. When worn properly, a seatbelt will stop you from being thrown around inside the vehicle or ejected from the vehicle in an accident.

What To Do If You’ve Been Injured On I-4

If you've been injured in an accident along I-4 or any other Florida interstate or highway, put your safety first. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic, such as to the shoulder, and turn on the hazard lights. Check for injuries and when in doubt, call an ambulance. Then, even if it's a fender bender, contact the police as a police report, along with a medical report, can be helpful should you contact personal injury attorneys following your accident.

Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer In Orlando

The odds of dying in a traffic accident along I-4 or any other Florida interstate and/or highway are relatively low, statistically speaking. But if you are injured in an accident, the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. are ready to assist you. Our team gives you personalized attention throughout your case, fighting for the compensation you deserve after a car accident. Contact the Orlando personal injury lawyers that drivers throughout Central Florida know and trust at the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A.

Deadly Florida Highways