Tampa Car Accident Statistics [2024 Updated]

If you are a local or visitor in Tampa, Florida, it is essential to understand local safety risks. Like most cities, car accidents are a significant safety concern in Tampa. By reviewing Tampa car accident statistics, you can help prevent yourself from becoming involved in such an incident, as you can identify the leading causes and triggers of accidents. The Frank Santini Law Firm can help you consider these details as you attempt to stay up to date on causes, statistics, and rates of accidents in the area.

Tampa Accident Statistics

Tampa, Florida, is located in Hillsborough County. It has the highest traffic fatality rate per capita among the largest counties in the United States. The rate per 100,000 motor vehicle crashes in Hillsborough County was 1857.7 in 2022, which is 77 more than the statewide rate in Florida of 1780.7. While there are more accidents in other major Florida cities, the highest number of fatal accidents happens within Tampa city limits.

When considering the greater Tampa Bay region, with the counties of Hernando, Citrus, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk Pasco, and Sarasota, accident numbers nearly triple, with around 14% of all Florida car accidents happening in this area. In 2023, Hillsborough County had a total of:

• 602 bicycle crashes, leading to 16 fatalities
• 585 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 39 fatalities
• 662 pedestrian crashes, causing 66 pedestrian fatalities

In 2023, Hillsborough County saw a total of 7,067 hit-and-run crashes, with 1,744 hit-and-run injuries and 25 hit-and-run fatalities. Tampa has fallen within the top 10 cities with the worst drivers and the most dangerous driving conditions. While navigating the city’s roads, it is essential that drivers, bikers, and pedestrians alike keep a careful eye on traffic and comply with local laws and regulations to ensure their safe passage throughout the city.

Causes of Car Accidents in Tampa

The leading cause of car accidents nationwide is driver error. Driver error is a large category that can manifest as drunk driving, texting while driving, improper signaling when changing lanes, and more. Intersections, such as Fowler Avenue and Nebraska Avenue, are the site of many car accidents throughout the area.In Tampa, with its excess of fatal accidents, it is vital to take a look into the circumstances that led to this high number of accidents:

• Driving Under the Influence: The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles data shows that hundreds of accidents in Hillsborough County are due to drunk and drugged driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can severely alter a driver’s reaction times, ability to make sound judgments, vision, and more. These types of accidents frequently lead to serious and fatal injuries.
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving involves a driver who is distracted and not fully focused on the primary task of safely operating their vehicle. Distracted driving is typically divided into three types of distractions: visual, cognitive, or manual. It can manifest in several ways, such as eating, texting, intense conversation, operating a GPS, and more.
• Driving When Fatigued: Driving when seriously tired can have similar effects as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It impacts reaction times, decision-making abilities, vision, and more.
• Speeding: Speeding causes many accidents nationwide and can result in extremely severe damages and injuries, as collisions that occur at high impact can be deadly. Speed limits are a legal requirement and are there to ensure that drivers maintain safe speeds on roads.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving involves operating vehicles with a complete disregard for the rules and regulations that govern vehicle driving. These actions intentionally put others and themselves in danger. Such actions include running through traffic lights and signals, switching lanes without the use of turning signals, tailgating, and more.

FAQs

Q: How Many Accidents Happen in Florida Every Day?

A: The number of accidents that happen in Florida every day is more than 1,000 per day, according to the data shown by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle. There were a reported 394,255 accidents in the state in 2023. Surprisingly, the year before was just as high for accident counts in the state. The Tampa area is particularly treacherous for drivers, as the region is known for especially fatal accident rates.

Q: What City in Florida Has the Most Traffic Accidents?

A: The city in Florida that has the most traffic accidents is Jacksonville. Jacksonville has the largest population of any city in the state, and there were almost 40,000 accidents there in 2023. This led to hundreds who suffered injuries, and more than a quarter of those injured ended in death. Other cities in Florida with high accident rates include Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale.

Q: What Is the Car Accident Rate in Florida?

A: The car accident rate in Florida in 2022, per 100,000 motor vehicle traffic crashes, was at 1780.7. In the same year, there were close to 400,000 total crashes, leading to the injury of over 250,000 individuals. With these staggering percentages and numbers, it’s vital that individuals who operate vehicles on Florida’s roads take traffic safety seriously and adhere to local laws and regulations, including speed limits, traffic lights and signals, and other safety considerations.

Q: What Is the Leading Cause of Traffic Collisions in Florida?

A: The leading cause of traffic collisions in Florida, like the rest of the country, is distracted driving. Distracted driving is a term used to define anything that directs the driver’s attention away from their immediate task of driving and safely operating their vehicle. Distracted driving can include eating, texting, changing music, having in-depth conversations with passengers, looking at navigational information, and more.

Contact a Tampa Car Accident Attorney Today

If you have been involved in a car accident in Tampa or the surrounding areas, you may have the grounds to pursue a car accident claim and retrieve compensation for the injuries and damages you have suffered. Our firm can offer essential legal assistance as you strive to receive a full and maximum compensation amount. You deserve solid legal support throughout the claims process. Contact The Frank Santini Law Firm today to set up an initial consultation.

About The Author

Frank Santini

Frank Santini, Esq., is a highly accomplished personal injury attorney and the founder of The Frank Santini Law Firm, specializing in personal injury law. A summa cum laude graduate of Stetson University College of Law, Frank is licensed in Florida and New Jersey and has earned recognition as a Rising Star" by Super Lawyers and high ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. Education: Graduated summa cum laude from Stetson University College of Law. Professional Associations: Member of The Florida Bar and the New Jersey Bar. Experience: Founder of The Frank Santini Law Firm, representing personal injury clients with dedication and expertise.

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