I-4 named deadliest highway in U.S. by study
ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - According to a study by GPS tracker Teletrac Navman, Interstate 4 was the deadliest highway in America between 2011 and 2015.
The study compiled data from several traffic monitoring sources to calculate the average deaths per mile of roadway on major US highways. In that time, they found 165 deaths over the 132 miles of I-4; about 1.25 deaths per mile.
The study also unpacked other info in the data to find that January was the deadliest month on I-4, Sundays the deadliest day, the 10th the deadliest day of the month, between 2-3 am the deadliest time frame, and Orlando was the deadliest city on I-4.
Orlando traffic expert Glenn Victor from the non-profit Florida Safety Council said he wasn’t surprised that I-4 topped the list.
Victor said the high tourism traffic along the road likely plays a big role in the ranking.
"They rent a car they're not familiar with and then they get out on the streets and highways and I-4 which they're not familiar with. A lot of distractions,” said Victor.
When asked about the ranking, a representative for the Florida Department of Transportation issued this statement:
Safety is the top priority for the Florida Department of Transportation and the department is showing its commitment by continually maintaining and upgrading the state road system, including the $2.3 billion I4Ultimate project in Orlando. Subsequent upgrades to Interstate 4 are planned, which extend from Polk County to Orlando and from Orlando into Volusia County.
Work continues with law enforcement and first responders to increase safety and safety awareness. In addition, the department will continue its efforts to urge motorists to do their part by driving safely, obeying posted speed limits, and not to drive while distracted or impaired.