We don’t have to tell you that there are many car crashes in Florida. You probably see at least a couple of them down the highway on your daily commute. And car accidents in Fort Lauderdale are no exception.
Despite the fact that the population of Fort Lauderdale is only about 180,000 people according to the latest US Census, it is such a popular tourist destination that the population can balloon to up to 12 million people a year. With so many people driving, many of whom are really not familiar with the area, or having a good time and drinking while driving, it’s no surprise that in 2015 alone, Broward County, where Ft. Lauderdale is located, had the second highest number of reported car accidents in the state. And when it comes to pedestrian deaths, Fort Lauderdale has the second highest rate in the entire country.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in the entire state of Florida, during 2017 there were over 400,000 car crashes and in Broward County alone, there were over 41,000 crashes and 225 fatalities. Interestingly, car crashes in Broward county rank among the most fatal in the country.
Why Do Tourists Contribute To The High Number Of Car Accidents In Fort Lauderdale?
Being a well-known vacation destination and attracting millions of tourists every year, it is likely that they contribute to increasing the number of car accidents that happen in Fort Lauderdale’s roads. Here is why:
- They are unfamiliar with the roads.
- Even with GPS, they get lost.
- They make poor driving decisions.
- They are young and drive while using drugs or drinking alcohol.
We should also take into account other factors that lead to crashes such as the constant presence of construction-related vehicles on roads and the never-ending heavy traffic.
What Are Some of the Most Dangerous Intersections In Fort Lauderdale?
There are many dangerous roads and intersections within the city, but some that stand out due to the high number of accidents that occur in them are:
- US 1 and Atlantic Blvd
- Pines Blvd. and South Flamingo Road
- A1A and Las Olas Blvd
- I-95 all along the city
The Vision Zero Program
To help combat these alarming statistics, the city of Fort Lauderdale participates in a national program to eliminate traffic-related deaths. Its aim is to use a mix of engineering approaches to create a safer environment for driving, but also for people walking or riding a bike. The program also includes education on best practices when using the street, encouraging drivers to respect the laws. Finally, it will undergo evaluations on the success of these strategies once data has been collected. Established in 2015, the program has already helped decrease the number of fatalities, although there is still a long way to go to get to no deaths at all.
Car Accidents In Fort Lauderdale: What Do They Mean To You?
If you are in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, you should be aware that Florida is a no-fault state. This means that after a crash, drivers must file a claim with their insurers, regardless of who is at fault. Get in touch with your accident lawyer and find out what you are entitled to. You don’t have to do this alone.
