Florida Ranks Number Three in Traffic Fatalities

A news article posted on cbs12.com states that the Florida Highway Patrol’s motor vehicles accident database shows statewide fatal accidents rose by 10% in 2021. In 2020, there were 3,332 fatalities, and in 2021 that number rose to 3,629. Florida has a reputation for dangerous drivers, and this new data indicates this problem is getting worse.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the number of fatal traffic accidents spiked during the first three quarters of 2021. The total number of traffic fatalities was 31,720. This was a 12 percent increase over the same timeframe in 2020. This was also the highest nine-month number of deaths since 2006. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg calls this growing problem a national crisis.

Florida’s traffic death numbers are growing as well. Florida ranks third on Uplift Legal Funding’s “most dangerous state to drive in” rankings report.  

CBS 12 examined the numbers for Indian River County, St. Lucie County, Martin County, Palm Beach County, and Okeechobee County. The data shows that 298 people were killed in accidents in 2020 and 2021 had 321 fatalities.

Drivers who were interviewed in the accident news report stated that the government needs to do more to make Florida roads safer. Many drivers reported feeling as if their lives were on the line each time, they got behind the wheel of their vehicles.