What makes this stretch of highway more prone to accidents?
Highway driving in Florida can be dangerous, and a car accident can leave victims with injuries that are severe and sometimes fatal.
But some highways see more fatal crashes than others. Which are the most dangerous? One study examined 20 years of fatal crash data to determine the deadliest highways in the United States.
Florida’s I-95 receives dubious honor
It doesn’t come as a surprise that Florida’s I-95 made the list. But what is surprising is that a stretch of the highway in Broward County – between the I-595 interchange and Marina Mile Boulevard – is the deadliest mile in America.
The study found that between 2000 and 2019, 24 people died somewhere along that stretch, which is known for multiple off-ramps, ongoing construction, and congestion.
CBS News data journalists found the study to be solid. And drivers in Florida are well-acquainted with I-95.
“It seems like it’s getting worse and worse every day,” said one driver. “I avoid I-95 as much as possible.”
CBS News Miami has covered accidents on I-95 for years, especially near I-595. In February, a 23-year-old former first responder was struck and killed in the southbound lanes after stopping to help other drivers who had been involved in a crash.
Why is I-95 so dangerous?
The north-south highway spans the entire east coast of Florida, and on any given day, you can experience:
- Heavy traffic volume – I-95 is one of Florida’s busiest highways, connecting major cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Jacksonville. The combination of commuter traffic, vacationers, and commercial vehicles creates congestion and increases the likelihood of accidents.
- Excessive speeding – Far too many drivers on I-95 ignore posted speed limits, which are already high in some sections (up to 70 mph). High-speed driving reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
- Aggressive driving – Tailgating, weaving between lanes, and aggressive behavior are common on I-95. Such driving habits raise the risk of collisions and create hazardous conditions for other road users.
- Construction zones – Ongoing construction projects along I-95 can lead to sudden lane shifts, reduced speed limits, and unexpected stops. Drivers often fail to adjust their driving to these conditions, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, etc.) can have deadly consequences on the highway. Drivers who take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds are at a much greater risk of causing a collision.
Injured in an I-95 crash? An experienced car accident lawyer can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
A car accident can turn your life upside down in just seconds. The cost of treatment for your injuries can add up fast, leading to financial stress. But insurance companies will use all kinds of tactics to minimize your claim so they can pay you as little as possible. That’s why you need a lawyer who knows how to fight back.
The experienced car accident lawyers at Feingold Posner Draizin all used to work for the insurance companies. We know the games they play. That’s why we focus on investigating your crash to get the facts and build a strong case that insurance companies have to take seriously.
Get a winning team on your side, and let us ace your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We are ready to guide you through the legal process every step of the way. Serving Plantation, Broward County, and all of Florida.
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