Why Florida is the Most Deadly Place for Bicyclists and Pedestrians

Florida is known as one of the most dangerous states for bicyclists and pedestrians in the United States. Each year, hundreds of bicyclists and pedestrians lose their lives on Florida’s roads.

In 2023 alone, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Dashboard reports 227 bicycle accident fatalities out of 8,413 reported bicycle accidents in the state. As of June 2024 (preliminary data), 92 people have died from a bicycle accident in Florida so far.

Pedestrians fare even worse. In 2023, 778 pedestrians died in Florida. So far, 307 have died in 2024.

What makes Florida so deadly? It’s not just one reason. Rather, a mix of factors contribute to this unfortunate designation, including:

1. Car-Centric Infrastructure

Florida’s sprawl, urban planning, and road design heavily favor automobile traffic, creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

Wide roads with high-speed limits and a lack of dedicated bike lanes force non-motorized users to share space with fast-moving vehicles. This car-centric design increases the risk of bicycling and pedestrian accidents and fatalities for those walking or cycling.

2. Distracted and Impaired Driving

High rates of distracted driving, such as texting or using mobile devices while driving, significantly increase the danger for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs is prevalent.

Despite strict laws to reduce these behaviors, they remain common on Florida’s roads. Distracted and impaired driving are leading causes of accidents, with many drivers failing to notice pedestrians and cyclists in time to avoid collisions.

3. High-Speed Limits and Aggressive Driving

Florida’s roads often have high-speed limits, and aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, frequent lane changes, and running red lights, are common.

Speeding is particularly deadly, with evidence showing that driving just 10 mph over the speed limit doubles the risk of a crash. High-speed limits reduce drivers’ reaction times and increase the severity of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.

When the pandemic shut the world down, Florida saw increased traffic fatalities despite decreased vehicle travel. Post-pandemic, aggressive driving continues to be worrisome.

4. Inadequate Public Transportation

Limited public transportation options force more people to walk or cycle, often in areas not designed for safe pedestrian or bicycle traffic. The lack of reliable and affordable mass transit exacerbates the problem, especially in low-income neighborhoods where residents may have no other transportation options. This increases the number of pedestrians and cyclists on the roads, often in unsafe conditions.

5. Poor Road Conditions and Lack of Infrastructure

Many roads in Florida suffer from poor maintenance, inadequate lighting, and hazards such as potholes and debris. These conditions pose significant risks to cyclists, who must navigate these obstacles, often swerving into traffic to avoid them. Additionally, the lack of dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks further endangers non-motorized road users.

Helmet Laws for Bicyclists and Their Impact

Florida law requires that all bicyclists under the age of 16 wear helmets while riding. However, there is no helmet requirement for adults. The use of helmets significantly reduces the risk of head injuries in the event of a crash. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by 60% and brain injury by 58%, underscoring the importance of wearing a helmet for cyclists of all ages.

Despite the proven benefits of helmet use, according to the Department of Transportation, only 18 percent of bicyclists wear helmets. This lack of helmet use contributes to the severity of injuries sustained in bicycle accidents.

Common Bicyclist and Pedestrian Injuries and Causes of Death

Bicyclists:

• Head Injuries: Often due to not wearing helmets, head injuries are the most common and severe injuries in bicycle accidents.
• Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and collarbones, are frequent.
• Spinal Injuries: These can lead to long-term disability and require extensive medical treatment.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and often result from high-impact collisions.

Pedestrians:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Caused by direct impact to the head.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractures: Particularly in the legs and pelvis, as pedestrians often try to shield themselves from the impact.
• Internal Bleeding: Resulting from the blunt force trauma of being struck by a vehicle.

Causes of Death:

• High-Speed Collisions: The force of impact at high speeds greatly increases the likelihood of fatal injuries.
• Multiple Injuries: Victims often sustain multiple, severe injuries that collectively overwhelm the body’s ability to recover.
• Delayed Medical Response: In some cases, delays in receiving medical treatment can exacerbate injuries and increase the risk of death.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bicycle or pedestrian accident in Florida, seek legal assistance to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. Contact Leighton Panoff Law for experienced and dedicated representation. We have 40 years of experience in helping people who have suffered terrible losses from bicycle and pedestrian crashes and have won some of Florida’s largest verdict and settlements.