A recent study has identified the top 10 Florida counties with the deadliest roads for 2024. The study, conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in collaboration with the University of Florida's Transportation Institute, analyzed data from the past five years to determine which roads pose the highest risk to drivers. The findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and public awareness to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on these roads.

Miami-Dade County tops the list with several roads notorious for high accident rates. The combination of heavy traffic, numerous intersections, and frequent tourist drivers contributes to the dangers. Major thoroughfares such as Interstate 95 (I-95) and U.S. Route 1 (US-1) are particularly hazardous. The stretch of I-95 between downtown Miami and Fort Lauderdale is known for its high-speed traffic and frequent collisions, often resulting in severe accidents and fatalities.

Broward County ranks second, with Interstate 595 (I-595) and State Road 7 (SR-7) identified as major hotspots. The high volume of commuter traffic, coupled with numerous entry and exit ramps, makes these roads especially dangerous. The study highlights the need for improved signage and better enforcement of speed limits in this area to prevent accidents and enhance driver safety.

Hillsborough County, home to Tampa, has several dangerous roads, including Interstate 4 (I-4) and U.S. Route 41 (US-41). The section of I-4 that runs through Tampa is known for severe traffic congestion and frequent accidents, particularly during rush hours. US-41, running parallel to I-75, also sees a high number of fatal accidents due to its mix of high-speed traffic and local drivers navigating through densely populated areas.

Orange County, which includes Orlando, features prominently on the list due to the high accident rates on I-4 and State Road 50 (SR-50). I-4, which stretches from Tampa to Daytona Beach, is one of the deadliest highways in the state, particularly the segment passing through Orlando. SR-50, running east-west through Central Florida, is also identified as dangerous due to high speeds, frequent intersections, and the presence of numerous commercial vehicles.

Palm Beach County’s deadliest roads include Interstate 95 (I-95) and U.S. Route 27 (US-27). The stretch of I-95 in this county is notorious for high-speed accidents and frequent lane changes, often leading to multi-vehicle collisions. US-27, running through rural areas, sees many fatal accidents due to high speeds, limited visibility, and a lack of divided highway sections, contributing to head-on collisions.

Duval County, home to Jacksonville, has several roads with high accident rates, including Interstate 295 (I-295) and U.S. Route 17 (US-17). The loop of I-295 around Jacksonville is a major concern due to heavy commuter traffic and frequent accidents at its interchanges. US-17, which runs through both urban and rural areas, also contributes to the high fatality rate with its mix of high-speed traffic and densely populated neighborhoods.

Lee County, which includes Fort Myers, features roads such as U.S. Route 41 (US-41) and State Road 82 (SR-82). US-41, known locally as Tamiami Trail, sees many accidents due to its high traffic volume and mix of local and tourist drivers navigating through commercial districts. SR-82 is also highlighted for its high accident rate, particularly in areas undergoing construction and expansion, which adds to the complexity and danger of driving on this road.

Pinellas County, which includes St. Petersburg, has dangerous roads such as U.S. Route 19 (US-19) and State Road 60 (SR-60). US-19 is known for its high-speed traffic and numerous intersections, leading to frequent and severe accidents. SR-60, connecting Clearwater and Tampa, also sees a high number of accidents due to heavy traffic, complex intersections, and a mix of local and commuter vehicles.

Volusia County, which includes Daytona Beach, is known for dangerous roads like Interstate 95 (I-95) and U.S. Route 1 (US-1). The stretch of I-95 through this county is particularly hazardous due to high speeds, frequent lane changes, and heavy tourist traffic during events such as Bike Week. US-1, running parallel to I-95, also contributes to the high accident rate, with many incidents involving both local drivers and visitors unfamiliar with the area.

Polk County, located in Central Florida, features roads such as Interstate 4 (I-4) and U.S. Route 27 (US-27). The segment of I-4 running through Polk County is known for severe congestion, frequent accidents, and ongoing construction projects that add to the complexity of navigating the highway. US-27, a major north-south route, sees many accidents due to high speeds, heavy truck traffic, and a mix of rural and urban driving conditions.

The study's findings have prompted calls for immediate action to improve safety on these dangerous roads. Recommendations include infrastructure improvements such as better lighting, clearer signage, and the construction of additional lanes or medians to separate opposing traffic flows. Enhanced law enforcement presence and stricter enforcement of traffic laws are also recommended to curb speeding and reckless driving. These measures aim to address the underlying causes of accidents and create safer driving conditions for all road users.

FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to protect Florida’s residents and visitors. He stated that the safety of our roadways is a top priority and that this study highlights the need for continued investment in infrastructure and the implementation of targeted safety measures to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. Perdue mentioned that FDOT is committed to working with local governments and law enforcement agencies to develop comprehensive safety plans for these high-risk areas.

Public awareness campaigns are also being launched to educate drivers about the dangers of these roads and encourage safer driving behaviors. These campaigns will focus on the importance of obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and exercising caution in high-risk areas. The FDOT is promoting the use of seat belts and discouraging impaired driving through various outreach programs and partnerships with community organizations. These initiatives aim to change driver behavior and promote a culture of safety on Florida's roads.

Residents and frequent travelers on these roads are also voicing their concerns and suggestions for improving safety. Many drivers emphasized the need for better traffic management and more robust enforcement of traffic laws. Some suggested the installation of more speed cameras and traffic calming measures to reduce speeding. Others called for improved road maintenance and the addition of safety barriers to prevent crossover accidents.

The study’s findings serve as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with driving on Florida’s busiest and most dangerous roads. As state and local authorities work to implement safety measures and improve infrastructure, the cooperation of all road users is essential to reducing accidents and saving lives. The FDOT and the University of Florida’s Transportation Institute plan to continue monitoring these roads and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented safety measures, with the goal of reducing fatalities and making Florida’s roadways safer for everyone. Through collaborative efforts and ongoing research, the state hopes to achieve significant improvements in road safety and protect the lives of its residents and visitors.