Interstate 4 in Florida, referred to locally as I-4, is a 130-mile stretch of interstate that runs between Daytona and Tampa, on which thousands of motorists travel each day. First opened in the 1950s, I-4 seems to be in a constant state of reconstruction to accommodate the ever-growing population of Central Florida.

It’s no wonder that I-4 was voted one of the deadliest interstates in the United States with its high volume of traffic congestion. Most of the traffic can be attributed to out-of-state tourists eager to visit Disney World, Universal Studios, and other theme-park attractions, which are all accessible from I-4.

In addition to the tourists and hundreds of thousands of locals traveling to and from work every day, the road construction projects along I-4 often cause travel delays, leading to gridlock and traffic accidents. In many instances, drivers in slower traffic allow themselves to be distracted by their phones or other factors leading to fender benders and even more serious accidents on a daily basis.

What Other Factors Contribute to the Numerous Accidents on I-4?

Aside from the constant flow of traffic, road construction projects, and tourists unfamiliar with the local road, several other factors contribute to the high percentage of accidents that occur on I-4.

In the winter months, Central Florida is often plagued with low-lying fog during the busy morning commute, which can lead to deadly accidents due to reduced visibility and the high rate of speed permitted on the interstate.

Additionally, the area of Central Florida that sees the most accidents on I-4 is also the same that sees a large influx of Snowbirds and other winter visitors. These individuals spend their winters in Florida to avoid the harsh cold experienced in the northern states. Just as in the summer months, when Florida sees a massive increase of drivers on the road on vacation, the winter holiday season also brings many visitors making their way through Florida driving along I-4, which contributes to more accidents.

Finally, due to the positioning of I-4 From Daytona to Tampa, many large commercial vehicles and big rigs also travel this road to and from their various destinations. Added to all the previously listed factors, this high traffic volume combined with semi-trucks can lead to deadly accidents.

When Is the Worst Time to Drive on I-4?

Many Central Florida drivers would argue there is no good time to drive on I-4 due to the excessive traffic that always seems to be present. However, the busiest times are during the morning and evening commutes (7-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. Around the Disney exits, just East of Orlando, traffic is especially heavy at all times of the day.

The worst month to drive on I-4 is January due to large events that draw tourists from out of state. Moreover, traffic is excessively heavy during spring break (typically in March), when schools are out of session and families flock to the attractions. Finally, the summer months also offer no relief, as this is when many families take summer vacations to visit the many theme parks in the area.

How Can I Stay Safe When Driving on I-4?

If you must drive on I-4, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind to help protect yourself while on the busy highway:

  • Avoid tailgating: I-4 has constant road construction, which can lead to unexpected stops.
  • Avoid distracted driving: Because of the heavy traffic, drivers need to pay strict attention to the road before them. Put down the cell phone and NEVER text while driving.
  • Stay alert: Because of the balmy tropical conditions in Florida, sudden downpours and thunderstorms occur nearly year-round, which can cause poor visibility on the road. Additionally, it’s always wise to be watchful of other drivers around you to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Do I Need to Speak to an Attorney if I Have Been Involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident, contact an experienced car accident attorney immediately to discuss your case and find out about your legal rights. Some people try to handle their claims independently, only to realize later that the process is much more complicated than they originally believed.

If you need legal advice regarding a motor vehicle accident, contact RTRLAW and ask to schedule a meeting with a qualified legal team member to learn what options may be available.