Traffic Crashes Rise in Hillsborough County

The number of traffic crashes in Hillsborough County rose from 17,480 in 2010 to 18,027 in 2011.

A total of four teen drivers or their passengers, ages 15 to 19, were killed in motor vehicle accidents in Hillsborough in 2011. Seven bicyclists were killed while trying to navigate Hillsborough roadways.

These are just a few of the numbers released in the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 2011 Florida Crash Statistics Report. The report was just released by the state and includes a variety of information related to roadway safety throughout the state and in Hillsborough County.

While Hillsborough did see a rise in its crash numbers, the state witnessed a drop in fatalities, the report says. In fact, the drop between 2010 and 2011 in fatalities was 2 percent. Over the past six years, fatalities have dropped every year. In 2005, there were 3,533 fatalities on Florida’s roads. In 2011, that number dropped to 2,400, a state media release says.

The report isn’t all good news, though. Fatalities among teen drivers increased by 7 percent statewide between 2010 and 2011; rising from 144 to 154. Also, bicyclist fatalities increased year over year from 76 to 230, which is a rise of 58 percent.

State officials are pleased with the drop in overall numbers, but would like to see continued improvements.

“Traffic crashes are largely avoidable, and so I would urge drivers to give their full attention to the road when they are behind the wheel,” said Julie L. Jones, the department of highway safety’s executive director. “The department strives to change driving behaviors and save lives.”

Other Hillsborough Traffic Crash Statistics

• Alcohol-related crashes rose from 1,363 in 2010 to 1,424 in 2011
• Fatalities dropped from 153 in 2010 to 151 in 2011
• Alcohol-related fatalities rose from 54 in 2010 to 67 in 2011
• Motorcycle fatalities rose from 23 in 2010 to 34 in 2011

To view the full report, visit the department’s website and look under “Traffic Crash Facts.”

What roads in the Bloomingdale-Riverview area worry you the most? What would you like to see the county or state do to improve safety? Share your thoughts in the comments section.