Tampa Ranks as One of The Most Dangerous Cities to Drive In

The Tampa Bay Area Ranks as One of the Most Dangerous Cities to Drive In: What You Need to Know

The Tampa Bay area, encompassing cities like Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, has recently garnered attention for its troubling ranking as one of the worst cities to drive in the United States. With increasing traffic congestion, high accident rates, and challenging road conditions, driving in this region presents unique challenges for residents and visitors.

In a Forbes study, Tampa placed 10th in driving etiquette with a score of 77.13 out of 100. The analysis found the city had the eighth-highest total number of fatal car accidents, at 14.47 per 100,000 residents, and the ninth-highest number of people killed in crashes, at 15.42 per 100,000.

When it Comes to Traffic Fatalities, Tampa is No. 2 in Florida and No. 5 in The Nation.

Over three-fourths of crashes occurred during daylight hours, but half of fatal crashes occurred at night.
Property damage cost approximately $10.3 million.
Half of the people killed were men on motorcycles, ranging from 26-61.
Half of the crashes resulted in citations for driving infractions.

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), between January 1, 2023, and December 7, 2023, there were 359,560 crashes on Florida roads, leading to 229,644 injuries and 3,007 deaths.

Overview of The Most Dangerous Roads in the Tampa Bay Area

The Tampa Bay Area, encompassing several counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Sarasota, is known for its bustling roadways and high traffic volumes. Unfortunately, some roads in this region are notably more dangerous than others, contributing to a higher incidence of traffic accidents and fatalities. Understanding which roads are most prone to accidents can help drivers navigate the area more safely. Here’s a look at the most dangerous roads by county in the Tampa Bay Area.

Most Dangerous Roads by County in Tampa Bay Area:

Hillsborough

Brandon Boulevard from Falkenburg Road to Dover Road
Gibsonton Drive/Boyette Road from I-75 to Balm Riverview Road
Hillsborough Avenue from Longboat Boulevard to Florida Avenue
Fletcher Avenue from Armenia Avenue to 50th Street
Dale Mabry from Hillsborough Avenue to Bearss Avenue
Lynn Turner from Gunn Highway to Ehrlich Road
Meridian Avenue from Channelside Drive to Twiggs Street
Bruce B. Downs from Fowler Avenue to Bearss Avenue
50th/56th St. from MLK Boulevard to Hillsborough Avenue
15th St. from Fowler Avenue to Fletcher Avenue

Pinellas

I-275 @ 38th Ave. N.
I-275 interchange @ Roosevelt Boulevard
I-275 interchange @ Gandy Boulevard
US-19 @ Gulf to Bay Boulevard
US-19 @ Tampa Road
I-275 @ 22nd Ave. N.
US-19 @ Curlew Road
US-19 @ 38th Ave. N.
I-275 @ 4th St. N. Bridge Eastbound
I-275 interchange @ 54th Ave. N.

Pasco

U.S. 41 @ SR 54
Little Road (CR 1) @ Ridge Road
SR 54 @ Little Road (CR 1)
SR 581 @ Wesley Chapel Boulevard
SR 54 @ Collier Parkway
SR 54 @ Eiland Boulevard
SR 56 @ SR 581
US 41 @ SR 52
US 19 @ SR 52
US 19 @ Moog Road

Manatee

N. Bay Blvd from Pine Ave to Poinsettia Road
Cortez Road/44th Ave. W from Calm Harbor Street to 1st St. W.
SR 70/53rd Ave. from US 41/14th St. W to 301 Blvd/15th St. E
Cortez Road/44th Ave. W from 82nd St. W to 30th St. W.
26th St. W from 56th Avenue to Cortez Rd./44th Avenue W.
9th St. E from Twin Oaks Blvd to US 301
26th St. W from Cortez Road/44th Ave. W. to 26th Avenue W.
15th St. E. (301 Blvd. E) from SR 70 (53rd Ave) to 26th Ave E.
Gulf Drive from 58th Street to Holmes Blvd
N. Bay Blvd from Pine Ave to Poinsettia Road

The U.S. Department of Transportation awards Tampa $2.6 million to Make Roads Safer.

Researchers from the University of South Florida are partnering with the City of Tampa to develop innovative solutions that will lead to safer travel conditions along busy roads within the city. The city will also work with the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research and contribute $650,000 to the project.

Common Causes of Accidents in the Tampa Bay Area

During the springtime, residents see an increase in congestion because seasonal residents and tourists visit places like beaches for spring break. There has also been an influx of people moving to the Tampa Bay area. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hillsborough County saw an increase of more than 20,000 in population from July 2022 to July 2023.

Understanding the primary causes of driving accidents in the Tampa Bay Area can help drivers take proactive measures to reduce their risk:

Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, and other distractions are leading causes of regional accidents.
Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to be a significant problem, contributing to a high number of crashes.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Excessive speed and aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating and reckless lane changes, are common causes of accidents.
Rain and Storms: Heavy rains and storms can lead to slippery roads and reduced visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Tips for Avoiding Accidents

If you’re planning to drive in Tampa Bay, you should keep a few tips in mind. First and foremost, be prepared for traffic.

Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going, especially if you’re driving during peak traffic hours.
Set GPS before leaving for your destination
Obey speed limits
Be mindful of the prevalence of left turns. If you’re uncomfortable making left turns, consider using a GPS to find a different route that avoids them.
Use turn signals
Don’t text and drive.
Use Uber or Lyft if you’re going to be drinking while out.

What Can You Do If You’re Involved in an Accident?

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself involved in a car accident in Tampa:

1. Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel fine, getting a medical evaluation after an accident is crucial. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent, and early diagnosis can prevent complications.

2. Document the Scene. Gather as much information as possible from the accident scene. Take photos of the damage, the location, and relevant road conditions. Collect contact and insurance details from the other party involved.

3. Report the Accident. Notify local law enforcement and file a police report. This official record can be essential for your insurance claim and any potential legal proceedings.

4. Contact a Williams Law, P.A. Personal Injury Lawyers: An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of filing a claim and seeking compensation. Insurance companies are known for their complex procedures and tactics aimed at minimizing payouts. Our expert insurance lawyers are skilled negotiators with over 30 years of experience going up against insurers’ strategies to undercut claims. We leverage our experience to advocate for a fair settlement, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

5. Avoid Discussing Fault: Do not admit fault or make statements that could be interpreted as an admission of liability. Leave the determination of fault to the authorities and your lawyer.

More Florida Personal Injury and Car Accident Resources:

Contact Our Tampa Bay Accident Experts Today

Tampa Bay’s troubling ranking as one of the worst driving cities in the nation underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and safety on our roads. With high accident rates, prevalent distracted driving, and heavy traffic congestion, drivers must remain vigilant and adopt defensive driving practices.

At Williams Law, P.A., we understand the unique challenges faced by Tampa Bay drivers and are dedicated to providing expert legal representation to those affected by car accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a traffic incident, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team for compassionate legal support; call us at 1-800-451-6786 or fill out our online contact form.