What Are The Most Dangerous Roads in Tampa for Drivers?
In 2021, the roadways throughout Hillsborough County became more prone to serious and deadly traffic accidents. According to the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization, 255 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2021, making it the deadliest year ever on Hillsborough roadways. This translates to approximately five dead people per week and a 20% increase from the 212 recorded deaths in the previous year.
The majority of these roadways are in and around Tampa and have been the most fatal and accident-prone since 2017:
- Gibsonton Drive – I-75 to Balm Riverview Road
- 78th Street – Causeway Blvd. to Palm River Road
- Mango Road/CR579 – MLK Blvd. to US 92
- Bruce B Downs Blvd. – Fowler Ave. to Bearss Ave.
- Lynn Turner Rd – Gunn Highway to Ehrlich Road
- 15th Street – Fowler Ave. to Fletcher Ave.
- Fletcher Ave. – Armenia Ave. to Nebraska Ave.
- Sheldon Road – Hillsborough Ave. to Waters Ave.
What Are The Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Tampa?
The top causes of car accidents that result in serious injuries and fatalities on Tampa’s most dangerous roads include unsafe driving behaviors, such as:
- Distracted Driving – Anything, even something as seemingly minor as drinking coffee or looking at your mobile phone while driving, is considered distracted driving. The most notorious distracted driving behavior throughout the U.S., however, is texting while driving. Despite the strict laws banning texting and driving, they don’t stop some drivers from tinkering with their phones or texting while behind the wheel.
- Reckless Driving – This can take on various forms, including, among many others, excessive speeding, tailgating, improper lane changing, and other aggressive and unsafe driving tactics. Unfortunately for most injured victims, they are perfectly safe one second and severely injured or hanging on for dear life after an encounter with a reckless driver.
- Driving while Drunk or Drugged – Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is illegal in all states, and law enforcement takes DUI incidents very seriously. If you see a driver who seems to be driving erratically or aggressively due to alcohol intoxication or drugs, stay away from its path and call 911 to alert the authorities.
- Fatigued or Drowsy Driving – A fatigued or overly tired driver does not necessarily have to fall asleep while driving cause a crash. Commercial truck drivers are known for fatigued driving because of the many hours they need to complete on the road.
Talk to an Experienced Tampa Car Accident Attorney Today
Whether you are driving your car, riding your bike or motorcycle, or crossing the street, your circumstances and surroundings can change in the blink of an eye. All rod users must be more vigilant and adopt better safety practices to help ensure their safety on Tampa roadways.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident in and around Tampa, please get in touch with Matthews Injury Law right away. You can learn more about your case and options for financial recovery by arranging a free consultation with our Tampa car accident attorney. Contact us online or call 813-530-1000 for more details.