Tampa is one of the U.S.’s fastest-growing metro areas, and with that comes increased traffic. A recent study cites Tampa as #14 overall in the nation for worst drivers, #11th for accident rate, and #17th for DUI offenses.
In Tampa, the uninsured motorist rate is 20.40%. Tampa motorists pay $3,459 to insure their vehicles, the fifth-highest amount among all 50 cities studied. Florida has the fifth-lowest percentage of insured drivers at 79.6% in the nation, meaning that over one-fifth of Florida motorists are uninsured. Below, our Florida car accident lawyer explains more.
When it Comes to Traffic Fatalities, Tampa is No. 2 in Florida and No. 5 in The Nation.
Each year, Tampa has 10 fatal traffic accidents per 100,000 residents. According to preliminary statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 434 fatal crashes across Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties last year.
- More than three-fourths of crashes occurred during daylight hours, but half of all fatal crashes were 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.
10 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 is Awarding 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.
Tampa received the grant as it was considering a $2 billion plan to improve the city’s infrastructure. The initiative, called Tampa M.O.V.E. S, aims to increase safety for bikers and pedestrians.
Tips for Avoiding Accidents in Tampa
If you’re planning to drive in Tampa Bay, there are a few tips you should keep 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 not comfortable 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.
Have You Been Injured In A Florida Car Accident? Williams Law, P.A. Is Here To Help
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, you should speak with an experienced Florida car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please get in touch with us online or call our Florida law office at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents like you who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, or other accident resulting in an injury. Remember, we work on a contingent basis, meaning you don't pay us anything until we win your case.
