Photo Credit: formulanone
Florida makes the top of the list with one of the most dangerous highways in America: Interstate 95.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Highways in the US by Fatality Rate
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released 2019 statistics on US highway fatalities. According to their data, I-95 is the most dangerous highway in America, with most of the Florida-based fatalities occurring on the Jacksonville and Brevard County stretches.
| State | Highway | 2019 Total Fatalities |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | I-95 | 284 |
| Florida | I-75 | 237 |
| Texas | I-20 | 208 |
| Texas | I-35 | 197 |
| California | I-5 | 186 |
What Makes I-95 the Most Dangerous Highway in America?
I-95 spans 1,908 miles from Florida to Maine, serving around 110 million people in between. In Florida, it spans over 380 miles from just south of downtown Miami up through Jacksonville and into Georgia. And even though Florida contains only 20% of the entire length of I-95, over a third of the fatalities occur within its state lines.
Why is Florida's stretch of I-95 so dangerous?
One reason is population density. Around 320,000 cars travel just the Sunrise Boulevard to Davie Boulevard stretch of I-95 in Fort Lauderdale every day, which is almost 100,000 cars more than that section was designed to service.
Another major issue is understaffing of highway troopers. For example, along I-95 in Broward County, there is one trooper for every 26,000 cars. A huge part of that is low pay.
According to a 2021 report, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers get payed $8,000 less than troopers in other states, ranking dead last in the US. It's been a problem for a long time. In 2017, FHP had 201 vacancies. Retired Miami-Dade police officer and FHP trooper Charles Miller voiced his frustration.
“They are in a dire situation and it’s a disgrace. Where are the troopers? You can drive a considerable distance and never see one. There’s extreme speeding and more and more horrific crashes. It’s a demanding job and they often have no backup. It’s a shame for the men and women who put their lives on the line for Floridians.”
Fewer troopers along I-95 not only means less real-time monitoring of speeders, texters, and drunk drivers but also slower response time to potentially fatal crashes. “It used to be if I needed help from a trooper late at night, I could count on a quick response,” Miller says. “There can be a major rollover wreck on I-95 and no trooper available.”
Why is Florida's stretch of I-95 so dangerous?
One reason is population density. Around 320,000 cars travel just the Sunrise Boulevard to Davie Boulevard stretch of I-95 in Fort Lauderdale every day, which is almost 100,000 cars more than that section was designed to service.
Another major issue is understaffing of highway troopers. For example, along I-95 in Broward County, there is one trooper for every 26,000 cars. A huge part of that is low pay.
According to a 2021 report, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers get payed $8,000 less than troopers in other states, ranking dead last in the US. It's been a problem for a long time. In 2017, FHP had 201 vacancies. Retired Miami-Dade police officer and FHP trooper Charles Miller voiced his frustration.
“They are in a dire situation and it’s a disgrace. Where are the troopers? You can drive a considerable distance and never see one. There’s extreme speeding and more and more horrific crashes. It’s a demanding job and they often have no backup. It’s a shame for the men and women who put their lives on the line for Floridians.”
Fewer troopers along I-95 not only means less real-time monitoring of speeders, texters, and drunk drivers but also slower response time to potentially fatal crashes. “It used to be if I needed help from a trooper late at night, I could count on a quick response,” Miller says. “There can be a major rollover wreck on I-95 and no trooper available.”
Other Dangerous Florida Highways
| Highway | Extent | Length | Most Dangerous City | Death Per Mile | Deaths from 2016-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-4 | Tampa to Daytona | 132 Miles | Orlando | 1.134 | 150 |
| US-192 | Four Corners to Indialantic | 75 Miles | Kissimmee | 0.867 | 65 |
| US-92 | St. Petersburg to Daytaon Beach | 177 Miles | Tampa | 0.706 | 125 |
How to Drive Safer on Dangerous Highways
1. Stay away from aggressive drivers.
Lately, it seems like dealing with aggressive drivers is 90% of the driving experience. To keep you and your passengers safe, don't contribute to the aggression. Move to the slow lane, and keep your distance.
2. Be mindful of others when passing.
Don't inconvenience any one else just because you want to speed around the car in front of you. Before you change lanes, make sure there's no one in the other lane going faster than you are. If there is, wait until they pass, and then change lanes once the coast is completely clear.
3. Get out of the fast lane if you notice cars speeding up behind you.
You might think to yourself, "I'm already going 10 MPH over, so I should be able to stay in the fast lane if I want." That won't stop others from tailgating you for miles until you either finally decide to move over or they pull some crazy stunt to pass you. Don't endanger every one else. Just move over and blend in with traffic going a more comfortable speed.
4. Put down the phone, the breakfast burrito, or the eyeliner.
People die from driving distracted. That's a fact, and it happens every day. Eat and put on your makeup at home. Wait until you park to make that call or send that text. Focus on the highway and the unpredictable drivers going 80 MPH all around you. It could save your life.
5. Prepare for your exit in advance.
Don't cut across four lanes in four seconds just to make your exit. Get to the exit lane a good two or three miles back. If you miss your exit, do NOT slam on the breaks and try to make some whacky turn. Take the loss, get off at the next exit, and get back on the highway.
Lately, it seems like dealing with aggressive drivers is 90% of the driving experience. To keep you and your passengers safe, don't contribute to the aggression. Move to the slow lane, and keep your distance.
2. Be mindful of others when passing.
Don't inconvenience any one else just because you want to speed around the car in front of you. Before you change lanes, make sure there's no one in the other lane going faster than you are. If there is, wait until they pass, and then change lanes once the coast is completely clear.
3. Get out of the fast lane if you notice cars speeding up behind you.
You might think to yourself, "I'm already going 10 MPH over, so I should be able to stay in the fast lane if I want." That won't stop others from tailgating you for miles until you either finally decide to move over or they pull some crazy stunt to pass you. Don't endanger every one else. Just move over and blend in with traffic going a more comfortable speed.
4. Put down the phone, the breakfast burrito, or the eyeliner.
People die from driving distracted. That's a fact, and it happens every day. Eat and put on your makeup at home. Wait until you park to make that call or send that text. Focus on the highway and the unpredictable drivers going 80 MPH all around you. It could save your life.
5. Prepare for your exit in advance.
Don't cut across four lanes in four seconds just to make your exit. Get to the exit lane a good two or three miles back. If you miss your exit, do NOT slam on the breaks and try to make some whacky turn. Take the loss, get off at the next exit, and get back on the highway.
Commuting across one the most dangerous highways in the US can be intimidating, and we know firsthand how quickly life can change for the worse as a result of an automobile accident. Call Wilkes & Mee today to talk with a Jacksonville car accident lawyer. You are not a statistic, and you deserve compensation.