What are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in St. Petersburg, Florida?

If you are a regular driver in and around the St. Petersburg area in Florida, you probably already have an idea of which roads and intersections you think are the most dangerous. Chances are, the roads are intersections you have in mind are probably on our list somewhere below. As we review some of the dangerous roads and intersections around our area, we encourage you to reach out to a St. Petersburg car accident attorney if you have any questions about an incident you’ve been involved in. You may be entitled to compensation, and an attorney can help you review your options.

US-19: A Persistent Risk for Drivers and Pedestrians

US-19, which runs north-south through St. Petersburg and beyond, is among the most hazardous roads in the area. Known for high traffic volumes and numerous intersections, US-19 has a history of serious and fatal crashes. Pinellas County, where St. Petersburg is located, consistently reports a high number of accidents on this road each year. Major intersections along US-19, such as 22nd Avenue North and 38th Avenue North, are particularly dangerous.

At the US-19 and 38th Avenue North intersection alone, nearly 60 accidents occurred in one recent year and crashes at US-19 and 22nd Avenue North resulted in multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries.

Many factors, including high speeds, heavy congestion, and the road’s proximity to shopping and business areas, contribute to its reputation as a dangerous roadway.

38th Avenue North: A High-Collision Zone

Another key roadway in St. Petersburg, 38th Avenue North, connects with several high-risk intersections, including the previously mentioned US-19. This east-west corridor runs through both residential and commercial zones, contributing to heavy traffic. The intersection of 38th Avenue North with US-92, also known as 4th Street, is a known collision hotspot, with around 20 injuries reported in one year alone.

In addition to vehicular accidents, 38th Avenue North is also risky for pedestrians and cyclists. The layout of this road and the presence of multiple entry points for vehicles contribute to frequent accidents, often resulting from failure to yield and distracted driving.

Central Avenue: High Traffic and Pedestrian Risks

Central Avenue, one of St. Petersburg’s main thoroughfares, is a popular route for locals and tourists heading to the beach and downtown attractions. The road passes through a bustling commercial area filled with restaurants, shops, and pedestrian traffic. While this makes Central Avenue a vibrant part of the city, it also increases the risk of accidents, particularly involving pedestrians.

The intersection of Central Avenue and 3rd Street North has seen numerous accidents, many of which involved pedestrians and cyclists. This area’s mix of local traffic, tourists unfamiliar with the roads, and dense pedestrian crossings creates an environment where pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur.

SR-693 and 66th Street North: A Busy Intersection for Locals and Tourists

State Road 693, known locally as 66th Street North, is another area with high accident rates. The intersection of SR-693 with 22nd Avenue North is especially dangerous, recording nearly 30 injuries in one recent year. This area, which includes local businesses and residential neighborhoods, experiences heavy traffic flow, making it one of the city’s most challenging intersections to navigate.

Tourists frequently use 66th Street to access the beaches, adding to the mix of local and out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with the area. This, coupled with the road’s high speed limits, makes the SR-693 corridor a notable hazard.

US-92/4th Street North: A High-Volume Corridor with Dangerous Intersections

US-92, which becomes 4th Street North within St. Petersburg, runs parallel to US-19 but poses its own risks. This road connects several shopping centers, schools, and neighborhoods, leading to a high volume of cars and pedestrians. The intersection of US-92 with 38th Avenue North sees frequent accidents, with reports showing that this area alone was responsible for more than 100 crashes in one recent year.

Both local and commuter traffic contribute to the congestion on 4th Street North. Common causes of accidents in this area include speeding, aggressive lane changes, and driver inattention.

Why Certain Roads in St. Petersburg Are So Dangerous

Several factors contribute to the dangerous conditions on St. Petersburg’s most accident-prone roads. Key contributors include:

• High traffic volume. St. Petersburg is a bustling city, particularly during tourist season, when roads become even busier. Roads like US-19, 38th Avenue North, and Central Avenue see a mix of local and tourist traffic, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
• High-speed limits. Certain stretches of St. Petersburg’s roads have relatively high speed limits, which can increase the impact and severity of crashes.
• Poor visibility at intersections. Some intersections have limited sightlines or confusing layouts, particularly for those unfamiliar with the area. This is especially true at intersections like US-19 and 38th Avenue North, where cross traffic and high speeds make it difficult to navigate safely.

Understanding the factors behind these dangers can help drivers exercise greater caution when navigating these roads. However, not all accidents are avoidable, especially when other drivers fail to obey traffic laws or drive recklessly.

Have You Been Hurt in an Accident on a Dangerous Road in St. Petersburg?

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident on one of these high-risk roads or intersections, you may be entitled to compensation. Car accident claims can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Working with an experienced St. Petersburg injury attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.