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Sarasota Crash

Statistics Breakdown

    Understanding Sarasota’s
    Accident History and Trends

    Sarasota’s roads tell a story of beauty and risk, with thousands of crashes shaping the safety landscape over the years. Dive into the historical data and trends below to see how accidents have impacted our community—and what it means for your safety and rights. If you’ve been in a crash, we’re here to hep.

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    Key Statistics Snapshot

    Here’s a quick overview of Sarasota’s crash history based on data from recent years:

    Average Annual Crashes (2017-2023): ~6,550

    Total Fatalities (2017-2023): 395

    Total Injuries (2017-2023): 26,745

    Crash Rate: Roughly 1 crash per 70 residents annually (adjusted for tourism).

    Breakdown by Accident Type

    Sarasota’s mix of urban streets, coastal roads, and tourist traffic creates a unique crash profile. Here’s how accidents have historically broken down, based on data up to 2023:

    Car Accidents

    • ~70% of total crashes (e.g., 5,107 in 2022)
    • Often tied to high-traffic roads like U.S. 41.

    Pedestrian Accidents

    • ~15% (e.g., 1,094 in 2022)
    • Concentrated in downtown and near beaches.

    Boating Accidents

    • ~5% (e.g., 365 in 2022, coastal estimate)
    • Spikes during summer boating season.

    Motorcycle/Bicycle

    • ~10% (e.g., 730 in 2022)
    • Higher fatality rates per incident than car crashes.

    Picture a pie chart showing these percentages based on 2022 data as a representative sample.Source Links:

    Historical Trends Over Time

    Envision a line graph plotting crashes, fatalities, and injuries from 2017-2023 with seasonal peaks highlighted.
    Source Links:

    Total Crashes

    Peaked at 7,065 in 2022, dipped to 5,781 in 2020 (pandemic low), averaging a 0.79% annual increase.

    Fatalities

    Slight upward trend, peaking at 61 in 2020 and 2021, with a 2.70% annual rise.

    Injuries

    Stable, with a high of 4,123 in 2022, averaging a 0.57% annual increase.

    Seasonal Spikes

    November-February (tourist season) and June-September (rainy season) consistently show higher crash rates.

    Dangerous Intersections in Sarasota

    Dangerous Intersections in Sarasota

    Dangerous Intersections in Sarasota

    Some intersections stand out as perennial trouble spots based on historical crash data:
    U.S. 41 & Bee Ridge Road: High traffic and commercial activity lead to frequent rear-end and side-impact crashes.
    U.S. 41 & Siesta Drive: Narrow lanes and tourist confusion contribute to collisions.
    University Parkway & I-75: Congestion from growth has made this a crash hotspot.
    U.S. 301 & 17th Street: Pedestrian risks and heavy flow downtown increase incidents.
    Jacaranda Blvd & East Venice Ave: Confusing roundabout design causes regular accidents.

    Source Links

    Local Insights and Context

    What drives Sarasota’s crash trends?

    • Tourism: Snowbirds and visitors from November to February swell traffic volumes.
    • Weather: Rainy summers create slick roads, boosting crash rates.
    • Population Growth: Sarasota’s population rose 4x the national average in recent years, adding pressure to roads.
    • Road Design: U.S. 41’s tight lanes and roundabouts (e.g., Gulfstream Ave, 120 crashes in 2023) challenge drivers.

    Source Links

    What This Means for You

    Sarasota’s crash history offers lessons:

    Stay Vigilant

    Dangerous intersections like U.S. 41 & Bee Ridge require extra caution.

    Know the Law

    Florida’s statute of limitations for PI claims is 2 years (updated 2023).

    Act Quickly

    Evidence fades—reach out to a lawyer soon after a crash.

    Injured in a Crash? We’ve Got Your Back

    Sarasota’s crash stats highlight the risks we all face. If you’ve been hurt, get a free consultation today.

    Contact Sarasota.Law