Understanding Tallahassee’s Traffic Accident Trends and How They Affect You

Traffic is a risk for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians on Tallahassee’s roads. Traffic accidents are among the leading causes of traumatic injuries—and they are among the most common reasons why local residents need to hire a Tallahassee injury attorney. Tallahassee’s traffic accident trends show that some types of accidents are more common than others, and they also shed light on some of the most common reasons why drivers cause accidents that could (and should) have been avoided.

10 Notable Tallahassee Traffic Accident Statistics

We can identify some notable trends from the traffic accident statistics available from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). For example, here are some key figures for Tallahassee and the rest of Leon County:

• Total Traffic Accidents – In 2023, there were a total of 9,623 traffic accidents in Leon County according to FDOT. While this is significantly higher than the total number of accidents reported by FLHSMV (6,157 in 2023), both of these numbers suggest that there are a lot of avoidable traffic accidents in Tallahassee and the surrounding areas each year.
• Traffic Accident Trends Year-Over-Year – While the total number of traffic accidents dropped in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw an increase in 2021—and the total number of traffic accidents in Tallahassee and the rest of Leon County has remained relatively stable since then. Notably, however, the total number of traffic accidents in each of the past three years has been significantly lower than the average total number in the three years before the pandemic.
• Injuries in Traffic Accidents – FLHSMV reports that more than half of all traffic accidents in Leon County resulted in injuries in 2023. Rather than tracking all injuries, FDOT only tracks “serious injuries,” and it reports a total of 142 of these injuries in Leon County last year.
• Deaths in Traffic Accidents – In 2023, 38 people died in fatal traffic accidents in Leon County. This includes fatal accidents involving vehicle-on-vehicle collisions, single-vehicle accidents, and accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians. The total number of fatal traffic accidents in the county has remained fairly consistent over the past several years.
• Accident “Hot Spots” Around Tallahassee – A “heat map” of traffic accidents in Leon County on FDOT’s website shows that the substantial majority of all accidents in the county happen in and around Tallahassee. Along with the downtown area, the heat map shows particular “hot spots” north of town on I-10 and south of town on U.S. 319.
• Traffic Accidents By Time of day – FDOT reports that the majority of serious traffic accidents (those resulting in serious injuries or death) in Tallahassee and the surrounding areas occur during the afternoon rush hour, between 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Interestingly, the morning rush hour is one of the safest times to drive, and the late evenings and early mornings fall roughly in the middle.
• Traffic Accidents By Day of the Week – According to FDOT’s data, Saturday is the most dangerous day of the week to drive in and around Tallahassee. This is followed closely by Friday and Sunday. FDOT’s data suggest that Thursday is the safest day to drive, as Thursdays have both the fewest accident-related serious injuries and fatalities.
• Traffic Accidents By Month – Both FDOT and FLHSMV report that October is the most dangerous month for driving in Leon County. It’s not entirely clear why this is the case. The summer and winter months tend to be safest, while spring and fall see a rise in traffic accidents each year.
• Leading Causes of Traffic Accidents – Nearly half of all serious traffic accidents in Leon County in 2023 occurred at intersections. This includes traffic accidents involving other common causes, including improper lane departure, speeding, aggressive driving and drowsy driving.
• Drivers Most Likely to Cause Serious Traffic Accidents By Age – FDOT’s data indicate that drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 are most likely to be involved in traffic accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities. This is followed by drivers over the age of 65. Teen drivers fall in the middle in terms of the total number of accidents; however, the data also suggest that in percentage terms, teen drivers have one of the highest rates of serious accident involvement.

What Do Tallahassee’s Traffic Accident Trends Mean for You?

So, what do these Tallahassee traffic accident trends mean for you? While you might not always be able to choose exactly where and when you drive, avoiding Tallahassee’s most dangerous traffic areas during the most dangerous times of day can help reduce your risk of being involved in a serious car accident. With this in mind, here are some tips from an experienced Tallahassee car accident lawyer:

1. Be Especially Cautious During Your Evening Commute

While you should always be cautious when driving, Tallahassee’s traffic accident trends suggest that you should be especially cautious during your evening commute. When people are in a rush to get home (and perhaps checking for updates they missed at work on their phone), they are much more likely to make mistakes that result in serious accidents.

2. Be Especially Cautious at Intersections

The data suggest that it is also important to be especially cautious at intersections. This is where most serious accidents occur; and, by putting your own safety first, you may be able help yourself avoid a dangerous situation.

3. Avoid Tallahassee’s Traffic Accident “Hot Spots” When Possible

If you can avoid I-10 and U.S. 319 outside of Tallahassee during the busiest times of day, this will help to mitigate your risk as well. If you can’t, be on the lookout for drivers who are distracted, speeding, or driving aggressively.

Talk to a Tallahassee Auto Accident Lawyer for Free

At Searcy Denney, we help victims and families recover just compensation after serious traffic accidents in Tallahassee and the surrounding areas. If you would like to speak with a Tallahassee auto accident lawyer in confidence, call 800-780-8607 or request a free consultation online today.