Florida’s Most Dangerous Roads: What Clearwater Drivers Need to Know
A recent analysis from Consumer Affairs offers a revealing look at where Florida drivers face the most danger. While Polk County topped the list as the deadliest county in the state, Clearwater is home to a serious threat of its own: a stretch of U.S. Route 19 that has earned the distinction of being the deadliest road segment in all of Florida.
Understanding the Risks in Pinellas County
Compared to other large Florida counties, Pinellas ranks relatively low for overall traffic fatality rates, with 15.7 deaths per 100,000 licensed drivers in 2022—lower than the state average. However, these numbers don’t tell the full story.
Despite the overall statistics, U.S. Route 19 running through Clearwater has recorded more fatal crashes than any other road segment in the state. From 2020 to 2022, this stretch of road claimed 94 lives, with 30 deaths in 2022 alone.
This contradiction highlights a troubling truth: even in counties with fewer fatalities overall, certain roads can still pose extreme risks to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
Why Is U.S. Route 19 So Dangerous?
Several factors make this stretch of highway particularly hazardous:
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High traffic volume and speed
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Mix of local and out-of-town drivers
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Heavy pedestrian activity in urban sections
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Impaired and distracted driving
Here are the contributing crash factors on U.S. Route 19 in Pinellas County (2020–2022):
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13% involved alcohol
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7% involved distracted driving
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4% involved speeding
The combination of driver error and high-speed road design has created a deadly recipe that calls for serious attention from both policymakers and the public.
When and Where Fatal Crashes Occur in Florida
Across Florida, nearly 70% of fatal crashes happen on highways, including U.S. routes and interstates. The most dangerous times to be on the road?
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Friday through Sunday
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Evening hours between 6 p.m. and midnight
Florida’s Other Most Dangerous Roads
In addition to U.S. Route 19 in Pinellas, other high-fatality roadways include:
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U.S. Route 19 (Pasco County) – 68 deaths
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I-95 (Broward County) – 62 deaths
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State Road 50 (Orange County) – 61 deaths
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U.S. Route 41 (Hillsborough and Lee Counties) – 59 deaths each
These roadways are known hot spots for serious accidents, and drivers are encouraged to use extra caution when traveling them.
What’s Being Done About Road Safety?
State and local agencies have taken steps to reduce fatal accidents across Florida. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has allocated millions toward:
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Rumble strips
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Wrong-way detection systems
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Intersection lighting improvements
Additionally, Polk County received a $720,000 federal grant to improve crosswalks and pedestrian access—efforts that are expected to make a meaningful impact.
Still, FDOT reports that 94% of serious crashes involve human error, underscoring the importance of safe driving habits.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
To reduce the risk of becoming a statistic, Florida drivers should:
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Never drive under the influence
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Avoid distractions like phones and GPS while driving
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Follow posted speed limits
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Wear seat belts and use child restraints
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Take extra caution on nights and weekends
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Be especially alert on known dangerous roads like U.S. Route 19
Legal Help for Car Accident Victims in Clearwater and Across Florida
At Applebaum Accident & Injury Law, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of collisions on Florida’s most dangerous roads. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it’s important to know your rights.
Under Florida law:
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You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if someone else’s negligence caused your accident.
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Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault.
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Most injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident.
In some cases, accidents are made worse—or even caused—by poor road conditions, lack of signage, or negligent road design. These cases may involve claims against local or state agencies, which require special legal considerations.
Talk to a Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash—on U.S. 19 or anywhere else in Florida—you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The experienced attorneys at Applebaum Accident & Injury Law are here to help.
We can investigate the cause of your crash, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 855- call- Paul or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Let us help you get your life back on track.
