These Are Brevard County’s Most Dangerous Roads
As car accident lawyers in Brevard County, we are often asked, “What are the most dangerous roads in Brevard County?” The answer may surprise you. Listed below are the most dangerous roads in Brevard County. If you are hit by another driver on these dangerous roads, call Alpizar Law today.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Brevard County
According to the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization, the intersection of Babcock Street and Palm Bay Road, in Palm Bay, is one of the most dangerous roads in Brevard County, and by far the most dangerous intersection. Between 2013 and 2017, this dangerous intersection averaged 77 crashes per year. This places the intersection of Babcock Street and Palm Bay Road far above the second-most dangerous road in Brevard County: U.S. 1 and Eau Gallie Blvd, in Melbourne. This dangerous intersection saw an average of 54 crashes per year. Coming in at third on the list is the intersection of Minton Road and Emerson Drive, in Palm Bay, which saw an average of 53 crashes per year.
Car crashes at major intersections can be catastrophic since they are often high-speed T-bone crashes. Here are a few things that you can do to stay safe at a dangerous intersection:
- When the light turns green, look both ways before proceeding
- Be on the lookout for cars turning in front of you
- Don’t change lanes unless you have to
If you are involved in a T-bone collision – or any type of collision – at one of the most dangerous roads in Brevard County, call a car accident lawyer at Alpizar Law. We can help you receive compensation for your injuries, and help you with peace of mind when dealing with insurance companies.
High-Crash Corridors in Brevard County
The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization also identified several “high-crash corridors” in Brevard County. These are sections of Brevard County roadways that see a higher-than-average number of crashes each year. At the top of the list was U.S. 192 between Wickham Road and Babcock Street in Melbourne/West Melbourne. This stretch of U.S. 192, which is also known as New Haven Avenue, sees an average of 199 crashes each year. Congestion is a big part of the problem: New Haven Avenue passes the busy Melbourne Square Mall, as well as several popular shopping centers and subdivisions. This corridor sees an average of 32,619 vehicles pass through each day. Perhaps not surprisingly, this corridor also leads the list in annual bicycle crashes.
The corridor with the second-highest number of crashes in Brevard County is North Courtenay Parkway from State Road 520 to State Road 528 on Merritt Island. This corridor saw an average of 179 crashes per year. With a yearly average of 155 crashes, the stretch of Babcock Street between U.S. 192 and Palm Bay Road in Melbourne/Palm Bay ranked number 3 on the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization’s list.
Bicycle And Pedestrian Accidents
When it comes to traffic safety, Brevard County, FL holds a dubious distinction: this area consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous places in the U.S. for bicyclists and pedestrians. According to a biennial report released in 2019 (entitled “Dangerous by Design,” released by the National Complete Streets Association in conjunction with Smart Growth America), the Space Coast ranked No. 3 in the nation for pedestrian/bicyclist fatalities (per 100,000). Believe it or not, this is actually an improvement from the previous biennial report, in which the Space Coast took the second spot. Still, this slight improvement provides little comfort to those who are concerned with pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
This section of highway isn’t just one of the most dangerous roads in Brevard County, it’s one of the most dangerous roads in the United States!
According to the report, Brevard County’s problem is the entire state’s problem: 8 out of the 10 most dangerous metropolitan areas in the U.S. for pedestrian/bicyclist safety were in Florida. The state’s abysmal record for pedestrian and bicyclist safety is the result of several contributing factors:
- An influx of new residents from other parts of the U.S.
- Poorly designed roads
- A lack of safety measures for pedestrians and bicyclists
Among the safety hazards identified in the report were poorly designed or non-existent crosswalks.
Alpizar Law also represents pedestrians and bicyclists who were injured by motor vehicles. Because pedestrians and bicyclists are so unprotected, these crashes often result in severe injury or death. Victims of these crashes routinely recover hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of dollars in damages. If you are a pedestrian or bicyclist who has been injured by a motor vehicle, or if you have lost a loved one who was walking or cycling on Florida’s dangerous roads, contact Alpizar Law.
Driving Behaviors That Increase Danger
The most dangerous roads in Brevard County are not inherently dangerous; it is the actions of the drivers who use those roads that put you and your loved ones at risk. Safe driving habits are essential, no matter what Florida road you are driving on your what intersection you are crossing (failing to practice safe driving habits on Florida’s highways will likely have even graver consequences). Some driving behaviors that increase the risk of a motor vehicle accident include:
Driving While Distracted
Distracted driving becomes a bigger threat each year, largely due to the prevalence of smartphones and other mobile electronic devices. Using those devices to text, send emails, or check social media while driving can have disastrous consequences. That said, distracted driving isn’t limited to smartphone use: reading directions, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, eating, and other similar behaviors can reduce your concentration and cause you to have an accident.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is another common cause of car accidents in Florida. By “aggressive driving,” we mean speeding, tailgating, cutting off other drivers, and other similar behaviors. These behaviors put you and others at risk. Yes, it is important to get there quickly, but it is even more important to get there safely.
Not Following Traffic Laws
Failure to follow traffic laws is also a major cause of motor vehicle accidents in Florida. Traffic laws exist for your safety–there is never a good excuse to disregard them. Running red lights, making illegal turns, and failing to yield are all dangerous – and illegal – behaviors.
The most dangerous roads in Brevard County don’t have to stay that way, but as long as there are accidents and injuries on our roads, Alpizar Law will be there to defend the injured and help them get the compensation they deserve after an accident.
