In 2013, an Allstate study determined that Miami was home to the worst drivers in the country. The report cited the fact that Miami-Dade County continually ranks as a leader in car accidents. This is particularly true for those involving pedestrians. It may not be surprising, then, to learn that there are an average of 181 car accidents in Miami each and every day. At least half of these accidents typically result in injury.
While accidents can and do happen throughout the city, research has shown that certain areas in Miami tend to be more dangerous than others. Specifically, statistics show that traffic accidents at these specific intersections and stretches of road:
- Occur more frequently and
- Result in more serious injuries and deaths.
Where Do Most Miami Car Accidents Happen?
The best way to avoid an accident in Miami is by knowing where they happen most frequently. Do your best to avoid the following roads and intersections in Miami, whenever possible.
4 Most Dangerous Stretches of Road in Miami
The most dangerous roads in Miami include:
- I-95 Express Toll in Little River: This stretch of road only measures 3.85 miles, but it is, by far, the deadliest in Miami with a rate of 7.01 fatalities per mile.
- I- 95 in North Miami: Approximately 8 miles of I-95 in North Miami are particularly dangerous, touting a rate of 6.60 fatalities per mile.
- NW 54th St: This stretch of road in Miami is less than 2 miles long, but has a fatality rate of 5.08 per mile.
- NW 7th St: Part of NW 7th St, measuring 2.56 miles, has a rate of 4.69 deaths per mile.
5 Most Dangerous Intersections in Miami
Intersections in Miami tend to be particularly dangerous. Statistics show that the following intersections register the highest number of traffic accidents each year:
- NE First Avenue and NE Sixth Street (Miami): This intersection is not only home to a large proportion of accidents in the city of Miami, but also some of the most catastrophic. The intersection is one of the most heavily traveled in Miami, thanks, in part, to the American Airlines Arena and nearby I-95.
- Pines Blvd and South Flamingo Road (Pembroke Pines): In the early 2000s, this intersection consistently ranked as the most dangerous in the country and had an extraordinarily high rate of pedestrian fatalities. This is likely, in part, because it is where an 8-lane highway meets a 6-lane highway. Despite efforts by Miami-Dade County to make this intersection safer, it is still one of the deadliest in Florida.
- Brickell Ave Drawbridge (Brickell): Traffic is consistently backed up at the Bucknell bridge as cars wait for boats to clear the roadway. Drivers become impatient and aggressive, especially as they fight to reach I-95, and cause serious accidents. Recently, Miami approved construction on a tunnel to make this intersection safer.
- Dade Blvd and Alton Road (South Beach): The intersection of Dade Blvd, a road ravaged by hazardous road conditions, and Alton Road, which is often prone to flooding, is one of the most confusing and dangerous in the Miami area. Drivers who are not alert and aware of their surroundings are likely to be involved in accidents with aggressive or distracted pedestrians and other vehicles fighting traffic.
- 36th Street and NW 8th Street (Doral): Navigating an intersection becomes more difficult when roads have multiple lanes. Here, a 6-lane highway meets an 8-lane highway, making it difficult for drivers to safely navigate the crossroads. Heavy traffic, causing backups in multiple directions, often contributes to driver aggression and impatience, increasing the number of accidents.
Why Are Intersections So Dangerous in Miami?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 40 percent of all traffic accidents involve an intersection in some way. In many cases, especially in Miami, intersections are controlled by traffic signals or traffic signs. Drivers have a responsibility to approach intersections with care, follow posted traffic laws, and obey traffic signals. Intersections tend to be dangerous because drivers do not use the degree of caution that is necessary to stay safe.
Common causes of intersection accidents include:
Driver Distraction: Drivers who are not paying attention to their surroundings are more likely to be involved in an accident. Distracted drivers are more likely to run red lights and less likely to see pedestrians in crosswalks while turning.
Think it’s okay to check your phone while sitting at a red light? Rear-end accidents are some of the most frequently reported types of crashes at intersections. Many times, drivers become distracted while waiting for the light to turn, fail to move once the light is green, and are rear-ended by aggressive drivers behind them.
Running Red Lights: Traffic always seems to be problematic in Miami. Unfortunately, some drivers try to cut corners and make up for lost time by driving more aggressively. Running red lights, or trying to beat yellow lights, are frequent causes of intersection accidents in Miami. In fact, a study of red light camera footage found that Miami-Dade County has one of the highest rates of red light violations in the country.
Improper Turns: Miami has made strides in making intersections more managed in recent years. Part of this effort has been to install turn arrow signals and dedicated turning lanes. Unfortunately, some drivers do not obey these turn signals, pull out in front of oncoming traffic, and cause serious accidents.
Pedestrians: Drivers are not the only culprits of intersection accidents. Over the past few years, pedestrians have become increasingly problematic in Miami. Why? Mobile devices and cell phones have become commonplace. Instead of paying attention to their surroundings and walking with caution, pedestrians are entranced by their tablets or lost in their headphones.
Experienced Miami Car Wreck Attorneys
If you have recently been involved in an accident on one of Miami’s most dangerous roads, do not hesitate to contact Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer for immediate assistance. Our experienced Miami personal injury attorneys can help you recover the money you need and deserve after your accident.
It is important to understand that you only have a short window of time in which you can file a claim for damages. If you don’t file within 4 years of your accident you may not be able to recover anything, at all. Call us today to schedule your free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and answer any questions you may have for us.
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