What Are Florida’s Most Terrible Highways?

by Jerrad Ohr | Car Accident Blog

A car accident can occur at any time and anywhere where a negligent driver is operating a motor vehicle. While this is a true statement, car accidents are much more common – and much more severe – on highways that are highly congested or have vehicles that are traveling at high speeds. If you are a driver in Florida, you must understand which highways are most dangerous and where the most accidents happen, as well as what you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Knowing how to handle the aftermath of a vehicle accident if one does occur is also valuable information.

The following considers some of the most dangerous highways in Florida, as well as driving behaviors that significantly increase accident risk.

Key Takeaway

Certain Florida highways (including I-95, I-4, I-10, and the Florida Turnpike) see heavy traffic and higher crash severity. Risk rises dramatically with distracted, aggressive, or impaired driving. After a crash, seek medical care immediately, document everything, report the incident as required by Florida law, and speak with a Florida injury attorney promptly. Florida uses no-fault (PIP) insurance, and most negligence claims generally must be filed within two years if the accident occurred on or after March 24, 2023.

The Most Dangerous Highways in Florida

 Some roads in Florida are more dangerous than others. Some of the most dangerous roads include:

• Interstate 95. The Atlantic Coast Highway, which runs from Miami to Maine, is one of the most dangerous stretches of road, not only in Florida but in the entire nation. This highly trafficked road in the country, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration reports that of the 1,040 miles of the I-95 corridor that traverse through urban areas, 60 percent is under heavy congestion. In fact, the average amount of daily traffic in the corridor is 72,000, with maximum daily traffic reaching as high as 300,000 vehicles. Not only are there thousands of cars using I-95, but thousands of trucks too, increasing the danger for everyone. To be sure, the same source reports that truck traffic totals as much as 31,000 as a daily maximum.
• Interstate 4. Known as the ‘haunted highway’ to Floridians, I-4 is the busiest interstate in the entire country. While many attribute the high number of traffic accidents that occur on this stretch of road to the fact that a grave was built over by the construction of the road – the family haunts those who now drive it – the real reason is likely the high number of motor vehicles and the increasing prevalence of distracted drivers.
• Interstate 10. The 362 miles of roadway that make up I-10 in the state of Florida is one of the main east-west highways in the state (although US 90 has become an equally popular option). I-10 is a more direct route than U.S. 90, which makes this road attractive to traffic. With most drivers traveling about 55 miles per hour, a crash that occurs on I-10 can be devastating, if not fatal.
• Florida Turnpike. Also known as the Ronald Reagan Turnpike, and was originally named the Sunshine State Parkway and goes through 11 counties in Florida. It runs 312.522 miles north and south.

Driving Behaviors that Increase Dangers

 The roads themselves are not inherently dangerous; instead, it is the actions of the drivers who use them that present risks. Driving on any road while failing to exercise safe driving habits is ill-advised, but doing so on a highway is even more precarious. Some driving behaviors that increase the risk of an accident include:

• Driving while distracted. Distracted driving accidents are becoming a bigger problem, due to the prevalence of smartphones and other smart devices that are used in the car. Texting, checking emails, updating social media accounts, and answering a call are all extremely dangerous behaviors while driving. In addition to using any sort of handheld device, other dangerously distracting behaviors include eating, talking to passengers, caring for pets or children, changing the radio, reading directions, and anything else that takes attention away from driving.
• Aggressive driving. Getting where you need to go in a quick and timely manner is important, but it is not more important than getting there safely. Speeding, cutting off other drivers, honking, tailgating, and similar behaviors are downright dangerous and put your life and the lives of others around you in jeopardy.
• Not following traffic laws. Whether you are in a rush, are not paying attention, or just do not think it is necessary, there is no good excuse for failing to adhere to posted traffic laws. Traffic laws are in place for a reason: to keep people safe. Falling to signal or yield, running lights, speeding, making illegal turns, and the like are all dangerous and against the law.
• Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
• Drowsy driving and fatigue

Even safe drivers are vulnerable near others who engage in these behaviors, especially at highway speeds.

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident in South Florida

1. Call 911 and stay at the scene if anyone is hurt or there’s significant damage.
2. Get medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
3. Document the scene: photos, videos, witness names, and insurance details.
4. Notify law enforcement and your insurer as required. Florida law requires immediate contact with police for crashes involving injury, death, a commercial vehicle, a tow-away, or apparent damage of at least $500; otherwise, you may file a self-report.
5. Understand Florida insurance basics: Florida is a no-fault state—drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which typically covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000, regardless of fault.
6. Mind the legal deadlines: For most negligence-based injury claims from accidents on or after March 24, 2023, Florida law generally sets a two-year statute of limitations.
7. Preserve evidence (medical records, bills, repair estimates) and consult a local Florida personal injury lawyer before giving recorded statements.

Talk to our experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Hollywood, FL, today

You do not have to live with high medical bills and economic losses after a car accident – you have the right to seek damages for your financial and non-economic losses, including pain and suffering, after an accident. To help you file your claim, you need an attorney who will advocate for you.

A car accident can do more than ruin your day; it can destroy your life. When you or a loved one is injured, let the attorneys at Rosen & Ohr, P.A. represent you. Request your free case consultation by contacting our offices today.