The Most Dangerous Roads for Florida Truck Drivers
Operating a commercial vehicle is always dangerous, as these trucks vastly outweigh other passenger cars, are much more difficult to maneuver, and are often tasked with carrying hazardous cargo. Driving a big rig, however, can become even more dangerous depending on the roads. Unfortunately, Florida roads are notorious for being unreliable, with outdated infrastructure, congestion, and road defects. There are a few in particular that are well-known for being especially dangerous for Florida truck drivers.
U.S. Highway 1
U.S. Highway 1 is one of the most dangerous roadways in Florida, especially during the summer months. Spanning 530 miles along the coast, this highway traverses more than a dozen counties, many of which are highly populated. This stretch of roadways is notorious for its high traffic volume, varyings speed limits, and congestion, all of which make it one of the deadliest roads not only in the state, but in the entire country.
Interstate 4
Interstate 4 is another roadway that regularly tops the list of the most dangerous highways in Florida, due to heavy commercial and tourist traffic and complex interchanges. This mix of high-speed travel and busy interchanges is dangerous for all motorists, but especially for truck drivers, who have a much harder time making sudden stops and avoiding other collisions.
Interstate 95
I-95 runs from Florida to Maine and is known for being dangerous to truck drivers due to its high traffic volume, a mix of local and through traffic (which can cause congestion) and unpredictable driving behaviors. This stretch of roadway also has very high speed limits and a number of express lanes, which can make it a challenge for truck drivers to respond to sudden changes in the flow of traffic.
Interstate 75
Interstate 75 is another Florida roadway known for its high traffic volume and fast-moving traffic. It also plays a major role as part of the north-south transportation corridor for commercial trucks, which results in a mix of big rigs and passenger vehicles along the route. This further increases the risks of collision between the two types of vehicles.
U.S. Route 19
U.S. Route 19 is another risky route for truck drivers, not only because of its heavy traffic through Pinellas County, but due to road design. For instance, parts of this roadway look like a traditional highway, while others resemble an urban corridor. As a result, there are a lot of different speed limits and road widths along this stretch, which are generally more difficult for truck drivers to navigate.
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Despite calls by safety experts and motorists for improved road design, updated infrastructure, and more regular maintenance, Florida’s roadways remain some of the most dangerous in the country. However, if you were involved in a truck accident in Florida, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. Please call Boone & Davis to learn more from one of our experienced Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers today. A member of our legal team is standing by to assist you, so don’t hesitate to call us at 954-566-9919 or to reach out via online message.
Sources:
clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/20/here-are-the-deadliest-roadways-in-florida/
wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/why-3-florida-roads-are-among-deadliest-in-us/