Interstate 75 is one of the busiest highways in Florida, and it has earned a reputation for dangerous driving. People who come to Florida from other states have often remarked about how the frequency of speeding increases here, especially as you go farther south into the state.
The interstate has been the site of several serious accidents in recent months, including a fiery crash that killed seven people on January 4. This marked the deadliest day for the region since an accident resulted in the deaths of 11 people in January 2012.
There have been other accidents reported on I-75 already this year, and one common theme has been the involvement of large trucks. For example, a semi-truck collided with another vehicle, with both of them breaking through the guardrail in the median. The aforementioned accident that resulted in seven deaths included the deaths of five children on the way to Disney World. That crash involved a pair of heavy trucks.
Suggested improvements to highway safety
An I-75 Relief Task Force spent much of the last year studying problems with the interstate and recommending some improvements as an alternative to building a new road that would help alleviate traffic. There was still the suggestion for another “coastal connector” road, especially in the wake of Hurricane Irma, which clogged northbound I-75 with people evacuating from the region.
The general perception seems to be that I-75 has reached its maximum capacity, which is one of the reasons why these accidents seem to be happening with more frequency. The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the latest crashes to determine fault.
To learn more about the legal steps to take if you’ve been injured in a Florida auto accident, meet with a dedicated Manatee County personal injury attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.