The drive between Daytona Beach and Tampa is the most dangerous in the nation, according to federal data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on fatality rates per mile of highway. Interstate 4, which connects the two cities, also passes through some of Central Florida’s most populous hubs of activity, including Orlando, Lakeland and Deltona.
Opened in 1959, I-4 was one of the first interstates to be built in Florida. In recent years, drivers on I-4 have had to navigate ongoing construction sites and detours to get to where they’re headed. These traffic risks, in addition to the high volume of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles that fill the roadway every day, make for difficult driving conditions. Between 2011 and 2015, there were 165 deaths on the interstate, which equates to approximately 1.25 fatalities per mile. In 2016, the fatality rate increased by 10.4 percent over the previous year. These statistics make clear that Central Floridians should be extra cautious when they get behind the wheel.
Distracted driving is a common cause of traffic accidents, and new technology has only offered more ways to divert drivers’ attention. Using a GPS or “infotainment system,” texting or even talking on a Bluetooth headset can pull your thoughts from the road, preventing you from seeing traffic warnings or reacting to dangers on time. The Traffic Safety Store, which carries the largest inventory of traffic safety products in the country, reports that since 2013, there has been a 46 percent increase in the number of people who admit to talking on a cellphone while driving.
When it comes to driver safety, it is important to minimize distractions and to complete the easy actions — like buckling your seat belt and checking your mirrors — that can end up saving lives. Some safety risks, though, are out of your hands. When gas prices are lower, more drivers take to the road, resulting in a higher chance of collisions. Even if you take every precaution, another driver’s careless actions can be deadly. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, aggressive driving, drunk driving and drugged driving all present significant risks.
At Largey Law, we understand how difficult life can be in the aftermath of a traffic accident. Our attorneys in Clermont, Tavares and Inverness are experienced in the area of auto accident litigation and are skilled at presenting cases to insurance companies and in court. Contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
