With a population of 22.6 million residents and more than 140 million tourists visiting in 2023 alone, Florida’s roads are among the busiest in the United States. But heavy traffic comes with heavy consequences: new analysis from The Schiller Kessler Group reveals the leading causes of fatal crashes across the Sunshine State and highlights which regions are most dangerous for drivers, pedestrians, and visitors.
In 2023, Florida reported 3,396 motor vehicle fatalities, accounting for 8.3% of the nation’s 40,901 crash deaths. The study identifies the main behaviors, demographics, and regions behind these fatalities and suggests urgent safety measures that could prevent thousands of needless deaths.
Drunk Driving: Florida’s #1 Road Killer
The single greatest factor in Florida’s road fatalities is drunk driving. Of the 3,396 traffic deaths statewide, 839 were alcohol-related, meaning one in four deaths involved an impaired driver.
Despite decades of public awareness campaigns and strict DUI laws, impaired driving continues to devastate Florida families and communities. Experts point to the need for stronger prevention programs, ignition interlock technology, and expanded access to safe alternatives like rideshare services.
Other Leading Causes: Seatbelts, Speed, and Distraction
Beyond alcohol, three other behaviors dominate Florida’s fatal crash statistics:
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Failure to wear seatbelts: 811 fatalities (nearly as deadly as drunk driving).
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Speeding: 349 fatalities, underscoring how high speeds not only increase crash likelihood but also magnify impact severity.
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Distracted driving: 277 fatalities linked to texting, eating, or adjusting devices while driving.
Together, these preventable behaviors account for nearly half of Florida’s annual crash deaths.
First Harmful Events: Where Crashes Begin
Crash investigators often track the “first harmful event”, the first point of impact that sets off a deadly chain of events. In Florida, the most common first harmful event was a collision between moving vehicles, accounting for 1,489 deaths.
Other leading first impacts included:
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Pedestrians: 740 deaths
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Pedalcyclists: 231 deaths
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Trees: 163 deaths
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Curbs: 150 deaths
These findings underscore the vulnerability of pedestrians and cyclists in Florida, as well as the danger posed by fixed roadside objects when drivers lose control. Poor lighting, inadequate crosswalks, and outdated road design remain key factors in these deadly outcomes.
Who’s Dying on Florida’s Roads?
Crash data reveals sharp gender and age disparities.
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Men account for two-thirds of fatalities (2,250 deaths), reflecting riskier behaviors such as impaired driving, speeding, and failure to buckle up.
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Young adults aged 25–34 recorded the highest number of deaths (620), followed by 35–44 year-olds (505) and 55–64 year-olds (455).
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Teens and early 20s drivers remain at elevated risk: 15–20 year-olds accounted for 268 deaths, with another 218 deaths among 21–24 year-olds.
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Seniors 65+ contributed 756 fatalities, reflecting slower reaction times and increased vulnerability to crash impacts.
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Children under 15 accounted for 94 deaths, highlighting the urgent need for improved child passenger protections and school-zone safety.
This age distribution shows that while young and middle-aged adults die most often, every age group faces meaningful danger on Florida roads.
Florida’s Deadliest Counties
Five counties stood out in 2023 as the most dangerous places to drive:
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Miami-Dade County — 329 fatalities
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Hillsborough County (Tampa) — 231 fatalities
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Broward County (Fort Lauderdale) — 207 fatalities
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Orange County (Orlando) — 175 fatalities
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Duval County (Jacksonville) — 166 fatalities
Together, these five counties accounted for over 30% of the state’s crash deaths.
Tourism and Traffic
Notably, the counties with the most fatalities are also Florida’s top tourist destinations. South Beach in Miami, Busch Gardens in Tampa, Walt Disney World in Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront boardwalk all draw millions of visitors each year, contributing to heavy congestion and complex traffic patterns.
This overlap of tourism and danger means Florida’s most iconic attractions are also surrounded by some of the state’s deadliest roads.
A Call for Action
In 2023, drunk driving and failure to wear seatbelts alone claimed 1,650 lives in Florida, nearly half of all fatalities. Combined with speeding, distraction, and hazardous infrastructure, the state faces urgent public safety challenges.
Experts call for:
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Stronger DUI enforcement and prevention.
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Seatbelt and helmet compliance campaigns.
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Better pedestrian and cyclist protections.
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Roadway design improvements and lighting upgrades.
“These aren’t random accidents,” the report concludes. “They are the result of risky behaviors and infrastructure gaps that Florida can fix, with the right investment and accountability.”
