Why These 9 Florida Intersections are the Most Dangerous

Miami-Dade County is home to the highest insurance premiums in the United States and for a good reason. This county is also home to the highest number of auto accident deaths per mile. Driving in Florida can be dangerous, which is backed up by several U.S. studies that show Florida has the highest rate of fatalities caused by traffic accidents. In 2015 alone, 8.4 percent of the total auto accident fatalities in the nation occurred in Florida.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact places in South Florida that are more prone to auto accidents and related deaths, some research along with anecdotal experiences from Floridians show these intersections are some of the most deadly:

1. South Flamingo Road and Pines Boulevard in Pembroke Pines.

This intersection was actually ranked at the top of the most dangerous roadways in the world, which puts it up against the “Road of Death” in Bolivia, which winds down along the side of a mountain. There are 14 traffic lanes at the crossing and multiple turning lanes that branch four different directions. In a five-year span, there were 100 pedestrians killed at South Flamingo Road and Pines Boulevard.

2. Northeast Second Avenue and 36th Street in Midtown Miami.

This intersection is particularly complicated and difficult to understand if you’re new to the area. There are six road sections including one-way, turn-specific lanes and there’s also a railway crossing. The timing of the intersection lights can also cause traffic to slow down to a crawl.

3. Southwest 117th Ave and Kendall Drive in West Kendall.

There are 18 lanes flowing in and out of this intersection, making it easy to get into an auto accident, especially if you’re texting and driving or otherwise distracted or impaired. Couple that with the fact that Florida has the 7th worst traffic in the country and it’s no wonder Florida highways are so dangerous. This area is also dense with daily commuters who have expressed that the intersection causes drivers stress and anxiety.

4. South Dixie Highway (South of I-95) in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.

There are merging lanes and narrowing roads along this highway. Rush hour and an influx of tourists any given time of the year makes it essential to drive carefully around tricky intersections such as this. This is one of those roads where the traffic at intersections sneaks up to you, which increases your chances of a fender bender.

5. South Miami-Dade County at SW 117th Avenue and 152nd Street.

Similar to the West Kendell intersection, this roadway crossing involves multiple lanes coming from each direction along with turn-specific paths. The signs are difficult for some drivers to understand as well. Use caution and pay attention when you’re driving in this area.

6. Fort Lauderdale A1A and Las Olas Boulevard.

The main issue with this intersection is the changing number of lanes as you drive through it. The turn only sections might sneak up on you, forcing you to try to merge into the straightaway lane or alter your commute. This area is heavily populated with tourists, pedestrians, and bicyclists and has a maximum speed limit of 5 miles per hour.

7. South Beach at Dade Boulevard and Alton Road.

There’s a new bridge being constructed in this area, which means changing road signs and speed limits on top of the already heavily-congested intersection. Traffic tends to back up for a mile.

8. 36th and Northwest 87th Streets in Doral.

This is another popular traffic jam area in South Florida. Commuters and tourists all get frustrated with the slow or standstill traffic at this intersection that seems to pop up at any time of the day.

9. Brickell Avenue Bridge.

This bridge leads to several issues with drivers including the boats that cause traffic to stop for several minutes at a time to let them sail through. The off and on ramps also make auto accidents more likely.

These dangerous South Florida intersections are not the only places to watch out for on your daily commute or vacation, but it is advised that pedestrians and cyclists avoid the crossroads listed above to prevent severe injuries from auto accidents.

Contact A Miami Auto Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident in Florida, please contact the Hickey Law Firm in Miami today at (855) 375-3727 for a FREE case evaluation. Our auto accident attorneys serve clients in South Florida and nationwide.