Orlando is known for its breathtaking views, tourist attractions, and the city’s proximity to the coastline. Unfortunately, two of the nation’s most dangerous highways also go through Orlando. Learn more about these highways and what’s being done to improve them.

Florida’s Interstate 4 Dangers

In late 2016, Interstate 4, which runs through Tampa and Orlando to Daytona Beach, was named the most dangerous highway in America. Note that there are more than 70 interstates in the U.S. and this is the highway that has the most fatalities per mile, according to the survey. Everquote completed the study for several auto insurance companies. Not only that, but the highway itself is just 132 miles long. Interstate 4 connects from I-275 in Tampa to I-95 in Daytona Beach and averages 1.41 fatalities per mile. This has been consistent for at least six years, according to the study.

It’s worrisome, but the U.S. Department of Transportation reports that traffic deaths have grown more than ten percent in just one year – January 2015 through January 2016. The DOT suggests stronger economy (more vacations), lower fuel prices (more road trips), and more distractions (texting and talking on the phone) have all played a significant role. Distracted drivers have become an epidemic in Orlando like many other cities across the country, according to the report, which has been provided to the National Highway Safety Board.

But Interstate 4 is only one of the dangerous highways in Orlando.

Florida’s Dangerous Highway 1

In April 2017, Geotab, a vehicular data management company, named a specific section of Highway 1 in Florida as the most dangerous roadway in the nation. A portion of that Florida section runs through Orlando. In fact, U.S. 1 runs through Central Florida, and then along the east coast. It runs more than 540 miles through 13 Florida counties.

Geotab graded it 2.8, in its fatal crash rating, the highest of any other roadway in the nation. In the past decade alone, U.S. 1 had 1,011 crashes, resulting in 1,079 deaths.

Keep in mind; this study is limited to highways and interstates. There are other local or state roadways that are dangerous to drive, and many of those are in Florida and even Orlando.

Florida Department of Transportation

While it won’t likely help on highways and interstates, Florida lawmakers approved more traffic cameras to be installed in early 2017.The Florida Department of Transportation reminds drivers and passengers that seat belts are mandatory and save lives. With major improvements underway on this state’s interstates, safety takes on a new importance, and Florida DOT reminds drivers that the costs of speeding tickets or other moving violations in a construction zone can double the amount that a driver is charged in fees. The Florida DOT offers many safety precautions and public service information on its website.

Each year, more than 30,000 people are killed in automobile accidents in the U.S. Interestingly, Mississippi was the only state that did not make the list. Interstate 10 was included, but only as it weaves through Louisiana.