Are There More Car Accidents in Florida?

Each year, there are hundreds of thousands of car accidents in Florida. While data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) show that we are on pace to see slightly fewer car accidents in 2022 than we saw in 2021, there were still roughly 350,000 car accidents in Florida through the first 11 months of the year. 

On average, roughly 41 percent of these accidents result in injuries, and about 1 percent result in death. This last statistic makes Florida one of the most dangerous states for drivers and passengers in the U.S. 

Comparing Florida’s Fatal Car Accident Numbers to the Rest of the Country 

Let’s return to our original question: Are there more car accidents in Florida? 

While Florida is one of the most dangerous states for motorists, it is not the most dangerous according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS publishes four key statistics: (i) number of fatal crashes, (ii) number of deaths, (iii) deaths per 100,000 population, and (iv) deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Here are Florida’s numbers in each category for 2020 (the most recent year of IIHS data):

• Number of Fatal Crashes: 3,098
• Number of Deaths: 3,331
• Deaths Per 100,000 Population: 15.4
• Deaths Per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled: 1.60

As you can see, close to 10 Florida residents and visitors die in car accidents every single day. While this is an alarming statistic, it isn’t the worst according to IIHS. Instead, when it comes to the total number of fatal crashes and the total number of crash-related deaths, Florida ranks third—behind California (3.558 crashes and 3,847 deaths) and Texas (3,520 crashes and 3,874 deaths). 

It is worth noting, however, that these three states have the highest numbers of fatal car accidents and accident fatalities by far. While Florida ranks third-highest with 3,098 fatal car accidents, the state with the fourth-highest total (Georgia) had less than half of this number of fatal car accidents in 2020 (1,522). Similarly, while Georgia has the fourth-highest number of car accident-related deaths, its total is also less than half of Florida’s (1,664). 

Car Accident Deaths Per 100,000 Population

What if we compare Florida’s number of car accident deaths per 100,000 population? Here, too, Florida is near the top of the list, but it does not have the highest number. With 15.4 deaths per 100,000 population, Florida ranked 14th highest in the country. Wyoming and Arkansas top this unfortunate list, with 22.0 and 21.2 deaths per 100,000 population, respectively. 

While Florida does not have the most car accidents in terms of the rate per population, its rate is well above average. According to the IIHS, the average number of car accident deaths per 100,000 population is 11.7—or just about 76 percent of Florida’s figure. So, while Florida might not be the most dangerous based on this metric, Florida residents still face a much higher risk of being involved in a fatal car accident than most other people in the country. 

Car Accident Deaths Per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled 

Finally, if we look at the IIHS’s data on car accident deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, Florida is once again unfortunately above average. Nationwide, the average number of deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2020 was 1.34. Florida’s number? 1.60. This puts Florida tied for seventh highest with Arizona. The states with the highest number of deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled are South Carolina (1.97) and Arkansas (1.88). 

In Summary, Florida Can Be a Dangerous Place To Drive

So, are there more car accidents in Florida? On a nationwide scale, the answer is “No.” While Florida is near the top of the list based on four key metrics, it is not at the very top in any of these categories. 

But, this does not mean that driving in Florida is safe. Every day, hundreds of people across Florida get injured in car accidents, and close to 10 lose their lives. These are alarming figures. Serious and fatal car accidents leave families facing significant financial and non-financial costs, and recovering often involves filing a claim for just compensation. 

Contact an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer Today for FREE 

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident in Florida, an Orlando car accident lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright can help you seek the compensation you and your family deserve. 

For a FREE, no-obligation consultation, call (800) 766-1000 or tell us how we can contact you online now.