Of the 41 people killed in traffic accidents on Treasure Coast roads so far this year, nine died in crashes on Interstate 95—making it the deadliest road on the Treasure Coast.
To break it geographically down further, six died on US.1. and four lost their lives on Florida’s Turnpike. The only other roads with more than one fatal crash were Okeechobee Road, Port St. Lucie Boulevard and Green River Parkway. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the number of fatalities midway through 2018 is below the three-year average of 88. St. Lucie County averages 36, Martin County averages 28 and Indian River County averages 24.
What makes I-95 so dangerous?
The I-95 corridor runs along the Atlantic coast for 1,926 miles through 15 states. The interstate is incredibly congested for approximately 60% of its length and can contain up to 300,000 vehicles daily. The stretch through the Treasure Coast is considered particularly dangerous, with 1.73 fatal accidents per mile. This is thought to be the product of ongoing highway construction and increased distractive driver rates. (Florida is the number-one state for distracted driving, and police cannot pull over drivers for this secondary offense, unless they are committing a more serious crime.) The Department of Transportation ended five years of construction on the interstate in Indian River County this spring, reopening all lanes of traffic and returning the speed limit to 70 mph. Construction and lane closures on I-95 remain in place in St. Lucie and Martin counties. Three of Martin County’s nine fatal crashes occurred on a two-mile stretch on I-95.
Which other Florida roadways are identified as particularly dangerous?
Florida is famous for its dangerous roads. In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration named Florida’s I-4 as the most deadly stretch of highway in the country! From 2011 to 2015, there were 165 deaths on the interstate. While I-4 is one of the busiest interstates in the entire country, even our local roadways can be dangerous.
In St. Lucie County, 18 have been killed in 14 fatal crashes. Okeechobee Road was the deadliest, with two teenage girls and a 99-year-old dying in February after the man drive the wrong way on the road without headlights. The month before, three men in their early 20s passed away late one rainy Friday when their car skidded off State Road A1A.
Visit TCPalm.com to view an interactive map and details about each crash.
If you or a loved has suffered injuries or wrongful death as a result of an automobile accident on Florida’s highways, call one were injured, call Attorney Steve Hoskins today for a free consultation. Attorney Steve Hoskins has been recognized by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, a distinction earned by only 1 percent of attorneys in the State of Florida. Highly skilled, tough and strategic, Mr. Hoskins has over 37 years of experience and has obtained over $500 million in verdicts and settlements for injured victims and their families along the Treasure Coast. His experienced tam of auto accident and personal injury team of lawyers, investigators, specialists and paralegals are ready to defend your rights and obtain the care and financial security you deserve. There are no fees or costs unless we win a settlement for you.
For a complimentary consultation with Personal Injury Attorney Steve Hoskins in Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, or Okeechobee, call toll-free 866-460-1990.
