Florida roads are dangerous: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) figures tell us that 3,396 people died on Florida’s roads in 2023. But which counties in the Sunshine State are most dangerous for their drivers?
This study aims to uncover the data and provide an answer. It will also provide details of the least dangerous Florida counties, the most (and least) dangerous driving days and months, and the main reasons for road accidents, which include a high number of hit-and-run incidents.
The Ten Most And Least Dangerous Driving Counties In Florida
Miami-Dade, Florida’s most dangerous driving county, featured a staggering 8,275 hit-and-run incidents during the assessment period (2023-2025). In general, Florida experiences a high number of car accidents due to its large population and a consistently high volume of cars on its roads.
But, looking beyond basic numbers, alcohol in particular is a highly significant contributory factor when it comes to driving incidents in Florida, and plays a big part in how we’ve ranked the state’s ten most dangerous counties.
Florida’s Top 10 Most Dangerous Driving Counties (2023-25 combined figures – ranked by number of incidents)
Although the previous list covers the most hazardous areas of Florida, traffic-related incidents occur in every Florida county. And yet, some Florida counties suffer considerably fewer crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Here are the ten with the best numbers in the state, and the least road issues.
Florida’s Top 10 Least Dangerous Counties (2023-25 combined figures – ranked by number of incidents)
The ranking lists for both most and least dangerous Florida counties feature one particularly compelling consistency. Even in areas with relatively few car accidents, alcohol is almost always a proportionately significant factor.
A quick comparison between injuries caused solely by alcohol impairment (7,150), solely by drug impairment (797), and a combination of alcohol and drugs (259) emphatically tells us that alcohol is by far the dominant factor when it comes to road accidents.
And most alcohol is consumed once the working week is at an end, which leads us to the most dangerous day on Florida roads.
The Most Dangerous Days and Months on Florida Roads
Florida’s most dangerous day is Friday, with 100,812 total incidents occurring on that day, mainly due to fatigue after a long week, and increased commuter and leisure travel, as people head off for the weekend or head out to socialize.
Conversely, Florida’s least dangerous day of the week is Sunday, with 73,828 total incidents, a number that can be attributed to significantly less commuter and rush-hour traffic and rested drivers.
Florida’s most dangerous month is March: the 68,280 total incidents reported during this month are partially due to Spring break and the year’s first influx of tourist drivers.
Meanwhile, the state’s least dangerous month, with 38,899 total incidents, is July, with relatively quiet summer vacation periods, fewer commuters, and school closures all leading to fewer overall crashes.
Keeping Florida Crash Numbers Down
So, to give yourself the best chance of avoiding trouble on the road in Florida, remember the high risk factor on Friday evenings, and bear in mind the fact that March is likely to be very risky due to heavy tourist traffic.
And consider the key locales that form our top ten danger list: extra vigilance is required in places like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Orange counties. All three are home to international airports, theme parks, and extremely popular nightspots, and for all these reasons, out-of-town visitors flood in at key times to compound road danger levels.
Study data confirms that intersections near popular nightlife areas on weekends are particularly busy spots for paramedics dealing with the aftereffects of Florida crashes.
With spring break, March typically sees a higher number of fatal or serious crashes involving teen drivers.
A heavier hand when it comes to drivers quickly exiting the scene after being involved in a crash might help to prevent a high number of deaths and injuries. Such a high prevalence of hit-and-run incidents certainly suggests a lack of a punitive deterrent.
And, from a broader perspective, public officials and law enforcement leaders can use this study data as a starting point for education and prevention campaigns.
By focusing in particular on Friday nights and March’s Spring break danger spike, and by encouraging parents to do their bit to educate their young-driver children, those in a position to influence real change can save hundreds of Florida lives.
Take back control of your life with Anidjar & Levine. If you were hurt in a car accident and are wondering how you’ll cover your medical treatment costs, an Anidjar & Levine Florida car accident lawyer can discuss your case and your compensation options.
