Navigating Florida’s Most Dangerous Intersections
Florida’s beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and year-round sunshine make it a prime destination, but the state is also home to some of the most dangerous intersections in the country. At the Law Offices of Keith Bregoff, our attorneys have represented countless victims of serious car accidents at busy Florida crossroads. This post examines some of the riskiest intersections and provides essential tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe on the road.
Florida’s Crash-Prone Crossings
According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the following intersections consistently rank among the most accident-prone in the state:
- Semoran Boulevard (SR 436) and Colonial Drive (SR 50), Orlando
- State Road 7 and Oakland Park Boulevard, Broward County
- Atlantic Boulevard and Southside Boulevard, Jacksonville
- State Road 408 and State Road 417, Orlando
- Alafaya Trail (SR 434) and University Boulevard, Orlando
What makes these locations so dangerous? High traffic volumes, confusing lane configurations, poor signage, and aggressive driving contribute to the problem. For example, the intersection of Semoran Blvd and Colonial Dr sees over 150,000 vehicles a day. With so many cars, trucks, pedestrians and cyclists converging at one spot, the potential for collisions is high.
Key Risk Factors
While you cannot control the actions of other motorists, understanding common risk factors can help you anticipate hazards and possibly avoid a crash. When approaching a busy intersection, be on high alert for:
- Red light runners: Impatient drivers may speed through intersections to “beat the red”. Pause briefly when your light turns green and scan cross-streets before proceeding.
- Distracted drivers: Talking on phones, texting, eating, or fiddling with vehicle controls takes eyes and minds off the road. If a car near you swerves or drifts, the driver may be distracted. Keep your distance.
- Improper turns: Drivers making left turns against traffic are a leading cause of intersection accidents. Do not assume an opposing driver will yield properly. Also, watch for illegal U-turns.
- Obscured views: Large vehicles, foliage, structures, and road elevation changes can create blind spots. Creep forward carefully until you can clearly see oncoming traffic.
- Adverse conditions: Darkness, rain, sun glare and fog make it harder to see road markings, signs, signals, and other vehicles. Slow down and use extra caution.
Defensive Driving Pays Off
Being proactive and driving defensively is your best protection against intersection accidents. Follow these essential tips:
- Obey speed limits and traffic signals. Racing through yellow lights is a recipe for disaster.
- Do not jump the green. Wait a couple of seconds in case someone blows through the red light.
- Yield right-of-way properly. Do not pull out if another car, cyclist or pedestrian has the right-of-way.
- Stay in your lane. Last-second weaving or merging across lanes or turn lanes is dangerous.
- Watch for pedestrians, especially children, the elderly, and the disabled. They may enter crosswalks unexpectedly.
- Maintain a safe following distance of at least three seconds. Rear-end collisions are common at intersections.
- Use turn signals well in advance, so others know your intentions. Do not make sudden moves.
Injured in an Intersection Accident? We Can Help.
Even the most careful drivers can fall victim to the negligence and recklessness of others. If you have been injured in a car accident at a Florida intersection, the Law Offices of Keith Bregoff is here for you. To discuss your case for free, contact us today at (772) 492-8967!
