Highways connect us from point A to point B and offer travelers convenience.
However, despite this, they’re also dangerous and pose a safety threat to motorists.
Safe driving requires vigilance and adherence to rules to protect yourself and the other driver.
Did you know the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) reported that in 2023, there were 394,206 traffic crashes in Florida?
Given the prevalence of car accidents in Tampa (there were 27,468 car accidents in Hillsborough County in 2023), this blog offers insights on the most dangerous roadways and tips for navigating them safely.
Top 3 Dangerous Highways and Roadways in Tampa
Interstate 4 (I-4)
It might not come as a shock that Interstate 4 (I-4) is one of the most dangerous highways in Florida. This highway stretches from Tampa to Daytona Beach and is notorious for accidents due to heavy traffic, construction, and erratic driving.
According to Assurance, there are 34 fatal crashes per 100 miles on I-4.
Interstate 275 (I-275)
This interstate connects Tampa to St. Petersburg and is known for its high accident rates, especially near downtown Tampa. Contributing factors include traffic, aggressive driving, and lane merges.
Sheldon Road/Waters Avenue W
A notoriously dangerous intersection in Tampa is Sheldon Road and Waters Avenue W. Many blame the more than 25 lanes of traffic, lack of bike lanes, traffic, and countless shopping centers for the danger associated with this intersection.
7 Safe Driving Tips
While you can’t control the actions of other motorists, you can control how you drive.
These seven safe driving tips will help you properly prepare yourself each time you get in your vehicle.
Take Care of Your Car
Always ensure your vehicle is in optimal working condition.
This means you should check your tires for proper tread and inflation and pay attention to and address warnings on your dashboard, for example.
Regular maintenance on your vehicle will prevent the breakdown of your car and increase your safety on the road.
Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Though newer vehicle models won’t let you forget your seatbelt because of the dinging sounds, buckling up before you do anything else in your car is essential.
Florida law requires all drivers and front-seat passengers in a vehicle to wear seatbelts. Passengers under 18 must also wear a seat belt or a secure car seat.
Keep Your Distance
Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle before you to improve your reaction times and prevent collisions.
Try the two-second rule to ensure you’re a proper distance away.
With this rule, pick a fixed point ahead of you and the car in front of you.
Before you and the car ahead of you reach that point, there should be at least two seconds of travel time.
Increase the distance when dealing with heavy traffic and bad weather conditions.
Use Your Turn Signals
Always use your turn signals to communicate your next move with other drivers and siignal well in advance before changing lanes or exiting a roadway.
This gives other drivers ample time to react and reduce the odds of a collision.
Pay Attention to the Road, Not Your Phone
The roadway requires your undivided attention. While it’s tempting to sneak a look at your phone, avoid all distractions to protect yourself and others on the road.
According to The 2023 Florida Statute, “A person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a wireless communications device or while sending or reading data on such a device for the purpose of nonvoice interpersonal communication, including, but not limited to, communication methods known as texting, e-mailing, and instant messaging.”
A first-time texting offense in Florida is punishable with a $30 fine and court fees. A second offense is a $60 fine, court and other related costs, and three points on a driver’s license.
Texting and driving in a school or construction zone, even if it’s your first offense, will result in a fine and additional license points.
Go the Speed Limit
Obeying the speed limit can significantly reduce the risk of an accident and improve one’s ability to react quickly to unexpected situations.
Stay Calm
The FHSMV reports there were over 13,000 cases of aggressive driving in 2020, which resulted in 68 fatalities and countless injuries.
Be calm and courteous when behind the wheel, especially in stressful situations.
Adhering to the tips in this blog post will help you drive safely and reduce your chances of being involved in road rage incidents.
Involved in a Car Accident in Tampa?
If you or someone you know was involved in a car accident, our team of personal injury lawyers in Tampa will help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
