Tampa Ranked as One of the Most Dangerous Cities for Drivers

As one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., Tampa has also seen a surge in the number of vehicles on our roadways. This in turn, has led to increased traffic congestion and a higher accident rate, making the city one of the more dangerous in which to drive in the country. In fact, in one recent study, Tampa was found to have the eighth highest number of fatal car accidents, the ninth highest number of fatalities, and the 14th highest number of fatal accidents caused by a distracted driver in the country.

Hillsborough County Accident Statistics 

Of Florida’s counties, Hillsborough tops the list of the most dangerous in the state. According to the (FLHSMV), there were 28,360 car accidents in Hillsborough County in 2022 alone. These crashes resulted in around 19,271 injuries and as many as 225 fatalities. Only Broward and Miami-Dade counties had a higher accident rate. Hillsborough County has also proven to be one of the more perilous areas in the state for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. For instance, in 2022, there were 476 bicycle accidents, 603 motorcycle crashes, and 657 pedestrian accidents in Hillsborough County alone.

The Tampa MOVES Plan

 Last year, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Tampa $2 billion in an effort to help make the city’s roads safer for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians. Now known as the Tampa MOVES Plan, this grant will allow the city to make major changes to its infrastructure. More road crossings, sidewalks, and bike lanes are expected, as are major repairs to damaged roads, which includes the repaving of more than 100 miles of city roads. Unfortunately, many of these changes will take years to implement, which means that road users in Tampa are still some of the most at risk in the country for being involved in a car accident.

Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents in Tampa 

Anyone who is planning on driving in Tampa should keep a few things in mind to help decrease their chances of being involved in a collision. This includes:

• Being prepared for traffic by giving themselves more time to get where they need to go;
• Being aware of the prevalence of left turns in the city;
• Obeying the speed limit;
• Checking their routes ahead of time for construction, accidents, hazards, or congestion; and
• Keeping a close eye out for pedestrians and cyclists.

In Tampa, congested roadways, a lot of foot traffic, and an aging roadway infrastructure make it a lot more likely that a person will be involved in an accident. If, despite taking safety precautions, you were involved in such an accident, call our legal team today, as you could be entitled to compensation for your losses.

Helping Tampa Accident Victims for Nearly 40 Years 

Being involved in a car accident is expensive. Fortunately, you don’t always have to shoulder the burden of these costs on your own, but could be eligible for reimbursement for your medical bills, vehicle damage, and lost wages. To learn more about the types of compensation for which you and your family could qualify, please call Anderson & Anderson and set up a meeting with our dedicated and compassionate Tampa car accident attorneys today.

Sources:

 wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/tampa-ranked-among-cities-with-the-worst-drivers-report-says/

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf