Traffic fatalities in Florida make it one of the most dangerous states to drive in. The roads of Florida witness a staggering number of accidents each year, resulting in a significant number of injuries and loss of life.
Alarming Statistics: Traffic Fatalities in Florida
Florida’s Disturbing Ranking
Florida has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the country. According to a study of national data, Volusia County is the single deadliest county for traffic fatalities in the entire country, per capita, for counties with over 500,000 residents. Between 2017 and 2021, there were 648 traffic fatalities in Volusia County alone, resulting in a rate of 11.19 deaths per 10,000 people. Furthermore, Florida also ranks high in pedestrian deaths, with the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach metro area in Volusia County being designated as the most dangerous in the country for pedestrians.
Ranking of Deadliest Counties in Florida
Florida is home to several counties with high traffic fatality rates. In the top 20 list of traffic fatality rates per capita for counties with populations over half a million, six of them are in Florida. The deadliest counties for traffic fatalities in Florida (population 500,000+) include Volusia County, Polk County, Pasco County, Duval County, Hillsborough County, and Brevard County. Each of these counties has experienced a significant number of fatalities on their roads, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to improve road safety.
Deadliest Counties in Florida for Traffic Fatalities (Population 500,000+)
| Rank | County | Population | Total Deaths | Deaths per 10,000 People | Deadliest Road |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volusia County | 579,192 | 648 | 11.19 | U.S. 1 |
| 4 | Polk County | 787,404 | 675 | 8.57 | U.S. 27 & S.R. 60 (tied) |
| 6 | Pasco County | 608,794 | 515 | 8.46 | U.S. 19 |
| 7 | Duval County | 1,016,536 | 830 | 8.16 | U.S. 90 |
| 17 | Hillsborough County | 1,513,301 | 1,069 | 7.06 | U.S. 41 |
| 18 | Brevard County | 630,693 | 435 | 6.9 | U.S. 1 |
Factors Contributing to Traffic Fatalities in Florida
Dangerous driving behaviors like speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and driving while impaired are among the causes of the high number of traffic fatalities in Florida.
Types of Dangerous Drivers
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has identified six distinct types of drivers based on their engagement in risky driving behaviors that contribute to traffic fatalities in Florida. These behaviors include speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, impaired driving, and more. It is important to understand these behaviors and the characteristics of the individuals who display them to develop targeted interventions that promote safe mobility.
- Safe Drivers: This category constitutes the majority of surveyed drivers and includes individuals who reported minimal engagement in risky driving behaviors.
- Speeding Drivers: Approximately 22.7% of drivers fall into this category, reporting driving above the speed limit on highways and residential streets.
- Distracted and Aggressive Drivers: This group engages in both distracted and aggressive driving behaviors, such as texting while driving, red-light running, and frequent lane changes.
- Distracted Drivers: Drivers in this category reported engaging in distracted driving behaviors, including reading text messages and texting while driving.
- Most Dangerous Drivers: Although a small percentage of drivers, this group poses a serious risk to themselves and others on the road as they engage in all risky driving behaviors.
- Impaired Drivers: This group primarily consists of individuals living in non-metropolitan areas who reported driving while impaired.
Traffic volumes may fluctuate, but dangerous driving behaviors consistently contribute to the number of traffic deaths. Mindful, careful driving can help reduce the number of traffic fatalities in Florida.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, talk to an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida.
