Florida To Receive Money To Prevent Fatal Car Accidents

Of all 50 states, Florida ranks #3 for having the most fatal car accidents. The Sunshine State is behind California and Texas, with 3,489 people dying in car crashes in 2022.

This has become a major issue and federal agencies are stepping in to help remedy the situation. The federal government, through the  Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program, has allocated $67 million to the state of Florida so that infrastructure can be built and improved upon to prevent deadly crashes.

The grant was announced by United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. This is part of an $800 million endeavor that will be used to fund 511 projects throughout the United States. These projects include 474 action plan grants and 37 grants toward implementation projects. The goal of this grant is to reduce roadway deaths by targeting high-crash areas throughout the country.

Hillsborough County, Florida is included in this first round of funding. The grant allows for $19.7 million to be used by the county to implement safety measures including sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and speed management. The goal is to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and drivers at 22 locations.

Why Are Florida Roads Deadly?

Since 2018, fatal accidents have been increasing in the state. 2022 was the only year in which deadly accidents decreased. As of May 2023, Florida has seen 982 fatal accidents.

Florida has consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous states for drivers and pedestrians year after year. Several factors contribute to this.

One thing to keep in mind is that Florida has a high population density. Nearly 22 million people are spread out over 65,758 square miles. This means there are 353 people per square mile, making Florida one of the most densely populated states.

So what do all these numbers mean? It means heavy congestion, especially when you account for the state’s high tourist population. There are almost 8 million vehicles in the state, so there’s a lot of traffic no matter where you go. With so many cars on the road, accidents are bound to happen. This is especially true given that Florida has a high number of elderly drivers. As people get older, reflexes and vision tend to decline. This can make accidents more likely to occur.

Weather also plays a role. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hurricanes are common in Florida, and these all can make driving conditions dangerous. If drivers are not equipped to handle these conditions, accidents can occur.

Seek Help for Your Car Accident Case

Car accidents happen on a daily basis in Florida, but they can be tragic events. Thousands of people are killed in Florida car accidents every year.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an auto crash, contact the Dade City & Zephyrhills car accident attorney from Madonna Law Group. We’ll handle all the aspects of your case so you can recover. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling (800) 557-0411.

Source:

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