Tampa, FL
Consultations available 24/7
KFB Law

The Most Dangerous Roads for Pedestrians in Tampa

Reading Time: 3 minutes

by Marcus Fernandez
Auto Accidents, Health & Safety
Dangerous roads for pedestrians in Tampa

Tampa, with it’s fantastic weather and interesting places to visit, should be the perfect place to take a walk. However, its status as the eighth most dangerous place in the country for pedestrians says otherwise. A study conducted on behalf of Hillsborough County found that 77% of roads within the county have conditions, such as an absence of crosswalks or traffic control devices that provide inadequate time for pedestrians to cross a street, making them dangerous for pedestrians. As personal injury attorneys, we take a look at the contributing factors to dangerous roads for pedestrians in Tampa.

Risk Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Deaths and Injuries

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 8,106 accidents involving a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle resulted in 712 fatalities. So far this year, there have been 4,646 pedestrian accidents with 401 fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified the following as some of the risk factors contributing to collisions between pedestrians and motor vehicles: 

  • Alcohol use was a factor in 47% of collisions resulting in the death of a pedestrian. 
  • 20% of people killed in pedestrian accidents were at least 65 years of age
  • 20% of children younger than 15 years of age who died in motor vehicle accidents were pedestrians. 
  • Vehicle speed proved to be a factor in the seriousness of injuries to pedestrians. Vehicles traveling at higher speeds caused more severe injuries than collisions at slower rates of speed. 
  • Not crossing at an intersection offers a greater danger to pedestrians than crossing at an intersection. 
  • More pedestrian fatalities occur at night than during daylight hours. 

When Hillsborough County evaluated its roadways, it focused on specific characteristics affecting pedestrian safety, including the following: 

  • Presence of a marked crosswalk and traffic control devices allowing adequate time for pedestrians to cross the street.
  • The study found that many intersections present hazards caused by turning vehicles being in conflict with pedestrians crossing the street. It cited right-on-red turns, multiple lanes permitting right turns, and left turns that may conflict with pedestrian crosswalks.
  • The study considered the benefits of an all-pedestrian phase for traffic signals that stop vehicular traffic in all directions.
  • Incorporation of what the study called a “median refuge island” to provide a midway point for those unable to cross.

Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa implemented their own versions of Vision Zero plans to reduce pedestrian accidents.

The Most Dangerous Roads in Tampa

Programs, including Vision Zero, at the state, county and local levels of government have focused their attention on developing methods to improve pedestrian safety through speed-management strategies, review of accident data to identify high-injury roadways, and proactive enforcement of speed limits. The City of Tampa, identified the following roads as the most dangerous roads in Tampa:

  • Hillsborough Avenue. 
  • Busch Blvd. 
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. 

The city police developed and implemented a policy of proactive enforcement of state traffic laws on the three most dangerous roads to encourage safer driver behaviors on them.

The report identifying Florida as the most dangerous state in terms of pedestrian fatalities noted that government programs and initiatives have done little to improve pedestrian safety over the years. One reason for this may be driver behavior standing in the way. The proactive enforcement of traffic laws by police in Tampa may be one method to force drivers to modify the way they drive, but drivers can make a difference on their own by doing the following: 

  • Avoid driving while distracted. Talking on the phone or texting, drinking coffee, eating or focusing on GPS devices are distractions that can divert driver attention away from the road and cause a collision with a pedestrian. 
  • Slow down because speeding increases the severity of injuries suffered by pedestrians, and it also decreases the time a motorist has to react to a pedestrian crossing the street or walking along the shoulder of a roadway. 
  • Do not drive after consuming alcohol or drugs. 
  • Yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections with a traffic control device. 
  • Lookout for pedestrians when making turns or when backing out of parking spaces. 

Drivers need to recognize their role in the campaign to make roads safer for pedestrians.

Help for Pedestrians Injured in Accidents

If you or a loved one are injured on one of the dangerous roads for pedestrians in Tampa, a consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer at KFB Law can offer options for obtaining compensation from the party or parties responsible for the accident. Schedule a free case evaluation with the convenient contact form at their website.

Related Blog & News Posts

  • premises liability florida
    August 28, 2025

    What a Premises Liability Lawyer Can Do for You

    Know Your Rights After an Injury on Someone Else’s Property Injuries happen. But when they happen on someone else’s property because of unsafe conditions, the legal question becomes: who is responsible? If you’ve slipped, tripped, or been hurt due to negligence on another’s property, a premises liability lawyer can help you understand your legal rights…

  • dangerous roads for pedestrians in tampa
    August 28, 2025

    Dangerous Roads for Pedestrians in Tampa: A Guide to Staying Safe

    Tampa’s vibrant neighborhoods and nightlife attract a lot of foot traffic and come with risks for pedestrians. As personal injury attorneys at KFB Law, we’ve seen firsthand the dangers posed by some of Tampa’s most heavily trafficked roads, which are also prone to car accidents. Pedestrian accidents are often severe and can result in life-altering…

  • teen drivers
    August 28, 2025

    Safety Tips For Teen Drivers Returning To School

    Children standing with their parents waiting for the bus on the first day of school is a familiar scene throughout America. As the children get older, a different first day of school scene occurs as parents hand over car keys to their teenagers, who are driving to school for the first time. The freedom a…

Real Client Stories

We believe in providing exceptional service. Read firsthand accounts from clients who have entrusted us with their cases and experienced our commitment to client care.
Rating
This law office is undoubtedly my number 1 go to and recommendation for anyone. The team is caring and attentive to your individual needs and efficient in their work. Ive gone here fortunately but unfortunately one to many occasions but they’ve had me evey single time. I couldn’t ask for better service. Thank you.
T
Tracy grutman
Rating
This office assisted me in pursuing a case after a car accident and helped answer all of my questions. From start to end of the case (which was completed in 6 months!), I felt like Marcus had my back and truly was there to represent and advocate for me. 10/10 would recommend to anyone in need of legal support.
A
Addison Hobbs
Rating
Marcus Fernandez is the MAN with the plan…Kinney, Fernandez &Boire,P.A and the GANG Was A Miracle Blessings Too ME!!!!!I would recommend them to anyone…Special Thanks To Mrs.DEE She kept me Encouraged &Motivated the whole way through definitely GREAT PEOPLE TOO HANDLE BUSINESS WITH
O
O C
Florida Bar Certified

Need Immediate Help?

Questions can’t wait — and neither should you. Start a live chat or send us a text, and get answers fast from a real legal expert.
Free consultation — 24/7
Trusted by Leaders
Rating
Rated 4.9/5