Based on local news reports, one of the most dangerous roads in Fort Myers for commuters is at the intersections along Colonial Boulevard. Fort Myers is a heavy mix of local and seasonal travelers. The roads and highways of our town see frequent car crashes resulting in severe injuries due to aggressive driving, excessive speeding, and poor driving habits.
OurFort Myers car accident lawyers explain how and why Fort Myers has such dangerous roads.
What Actually Makes a Road or Intersection “Dangerous?”
For a road to be considered dangerous, it would need to include some conditions and characteristics that frequently contribute to car accidents. Some of the qualities may include:
- High Traffic Volume: If the road is used by many in the community to get to work and home, or includes retail shopping, congestion can be a regular occurrence.
- Inconsistent Speeds: Roads that traverse from residential to commercial or widen and narrow in parts can be subject to variable speeds, which could contribute to rear-end collisions.
- Poor Signage: Roads with complex signal timing, lots of driveways, and heavy left turns can be prone to drivers being confused or missing potential dangers.
- Poor Visibility: In addition to signage issues, roads that lack safe crossing for pedestrians or streetlights for illumination can lead to serious and potentially fatal injuries.
- Construction Zones: If roads are under construction to address issues, the construction itself could inadvertently add to the danger on the road with shifting lanes and unexpected detours.
However, no matter how dangerous a road or intersection is reported to be, the driver is still responsible for the decisions they make while behind the wheel.
Fort Myers Crash Hot Spots to Know
For those who live and work here, it would be no surprise to know that the most common car accident hotspots in Fort Myers include the following:
The Colonial Boulevard Corridor (State Road 884)
Colonial Boulevard, also known as SR 884, has many of the issues that contribute to car accidents. It is a major street for retail access and residential homes. Speed limits can vary from 30 to 45mph, depending on what section you are in. Due to heavy stop-and-go traffic, drivers are frequently involved in rear-end accidents. And the congestion often leads to aggressive land changing for some impatient drivers.
To avoid accidents, give yourself plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. Slow down when approaching an intersection and watch for any drivers running red lights.
Colonial Boulevard & Fowler Street
One intersection on Colonial Boulevard should be treated with extra caution, and that is at the busy intersection with Fowler Street. According toa report from SWFL, the Fort Myers Police Department increased traffic stops due to drivers disregarding the new signage after construction.
Drivers are advised not to enter or sit in the intersection. If you cannot complete the turn, do not block the box. Double-check your time during any left turn and expect to make sudden braking.
U.S. 41 (Cleveland Ave/South Tamiami Trail)
Like Colonial, U.S. 41, also known as Cleveland Ave and South Tamiami Trail, has a long commercial strip with multiple entrances and exits. This road also sees a number of changes in speed limits, which can lead to accidents if drivers fail to adjust their speed. And since it has retail and residential zones, it also has highpedestrian traffic.
Drivers are advised to reduce their speed at night, watch crosswalk areas, and scan the median and shoulders.
Six Mile Cypress Parkway near the Colonial Blvd Area
And Colonial Boulevard comes up again, this time with Six Mile Cypress Parkway. The area here has heavy commuter traffic with lots of drivers entering and leaving the major shopping centers. Recently, part of Six Mile Cypress Parkway was shut down while police investigated afatal motorcycle accident.
If you are near this area, we advise slowing down and remaining aware of your surroundings, especially in regard to motorcyclists who can easily be lost in blind spots. Give yourself extra space for stops and thoroughly check before changing lanes.
You can also check your neighborhood or travel routes viaFlorida’s Department of Transportation (FLDOT) High Crash Location portal.
How to Reduce Your Risk on These Corridors in Fort Myers
We have already given suggestions for protecting yourself in and near the hotspots in Fort Myers, but in addition to that, we also suggest the following safety tips:
- Avoid Peak Travel Times: If possible, try to avoid using these roads during peak hours.
- Defensive Driving: Give yourself plenty of space and time to make stops and change lanes.
- Be Cautious at Green Lights: Don’t make assumptions at green lights; assume the worst and scan traffic for red light runners.
- Watch for Pedestrians: Distracted pedestrians can make poor decisions, so watch for them crossing intersections, especially at night.
- Take Care in Construction Zones: UnderFlorida law, you must slow down when there are workers on the road, so expect delays and changes in traffic.
After a Fort Myers Car Crash, What Should You Do Immediately
If you have been in an accident at one of these locations, or anywhere within Fort Myers and Lee County, here is what you should do:
- Call 911 so the Fort Myers Police Department can generate a police report.
- Move to a safe location, if possible.
- Document the accident scene with photos and videos.
- Get contact information from any witnesses.
- See a doctor immediately.
- Contact your insurer, but do not give a recorded statement.
Then, call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato to speak with apersonal injury lawyer near you.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato About Your Fort Myers Car Accident Claim
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato has been helping clients for over 20 years and has obtained over $200 million incase results. We provide accident victims with a free case consultation and work on contingency, so you pay nothing up front for legal representation.
Call (844) 643-7200 today for your free consultation.