According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,174 car accident fatalities occurred in Florida in 2016, and according to Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), our state had an estimated 395,785 accidents, both fatal and non-fatal, in the same year. Car accidents in general occur for a number of reasons such as speeding, drunk driving, or even distracted driving, but some of these figures can help you avoid dangerous or potentially deadly situations in the Tampa Bay area.
For example, the NHTSA estimates that four out of five speeding accidents occur on non-interstate roads, and about 41% of motorcycle fatalities involved an unhelmeted rider. In Florida specifically, the DHSMV has indicated that more accidents, 119,312, occurred on Friday than any other day of the week, and there were more fatal accidents on interstate roads than on toll roads like the Veterans Expressway or the Florida Turnpike. These facts allow us to travel smarter by taking less dangerous routes when we travel or simply be more cognizant of the facts while we are utilizing a more dangerous street. Additionally, you, as driver in the bay area, should exercise caution when you travel across some of our city’s most dangerous intersections.
FOUR OF THE MOST DANGEROUS INTERSECTIONS IN TAMPA, FL
As we go throughout life, we make certain assumptions. Some of them are correct while others are incorrect. When you think of the most dangerous intersections in Tampa, you might be tempted to assume that they are near Raymond James Stadium or Busch Gardens, which is why you might be surprised to find out where our city’s most dangerous intersections are actually located.
1. Sheldon Road and Waters Avenue
The intersection at Sheldon road and Waters avenue is not near an amusement park, movie theater, or mall, and yet, it is the most dangerous intersection in the city according to data from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. 107 accidents took place at this intersection between May 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018, and this intersection, surprisingly, is right in the middle of the suburbs.
2. Waters Avenue and Anderson Road
The fact that the intersection of Waters avenue and Anderson road is the second most dangerous intersection in Tampa Bay might not surprise you due the fact that attractions such as the AMC Veterans movie theater and Lowes are within a short distance of this intersection. Regardless, 103 car accidents took place at this intersection between May 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018. So, make sure you drive cautiously next time you decide to go to the movies.
3. Waters Avenue and Hanley Road
Waters avenue is probably one of the most dangerous local roads to travel on in Hillsborough County. This is demonstrated by the fact that three out of five of the most dangerous intersections in Tampa are found along Waters avenue. The intersection at Waters avenue and Hanley road was home to 98 accidents between May 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018. Undoubtedly, the host of stores and fast food restaurants such as Walmart, Publix, McDonalds, and Taco Bell are a contributing factor to the influx of traffic that crosses this intersection every day, which in turn, leads to a sizeable amount of car accidents.
4. Hillsborough Avenue and Sheldon Road
Some intersections are dangerous due to the design of the intersection. The fourth most dangerous intersection at Hillsborough avenue and Sheldon road is one of them. This intersection saw approximately 96 car crashes between May 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018, but this intersection, unlike its predecessors, has a large amount of lanes when compared to other major intersections. Hillsborough avenue actually expands to six lanes of traffic on one side which can certainly complicate the flow of traffic and lead to accidents.
CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS IN TAMPA, FL
When you are involved in an accident, it can be a life changing event that can leave you feeling stressed, frustrated, and even upset, but despite these feelings, you should always seek the counsel of an attorney who can explain your legal rights after the accident. 1-800-Injured is a attorney and medical referral service that connects victims with car accidents attorneys in Tampa.
Accidents are bound to occur in Tampa Bay, but you don’t have to let one ruin your life. Stay as calm as possible. Record everything you can, and call 1-800-Injured to connect with one of our network attorneys to assist you with your claim.