What the latest crash statistics say about the safety of Tampa roads
As personal injury attorneys in Tampa, we believe that ensuring the safety of our roads is critical to reducing accidents and protecting lives. So, with the end of 2023 quickly approaching, we thought it would be a good time to examine the current state of traffic safety in our city.
This year’s crash statistics provide valuable insights into the trends and challenges we face. In this analysis, we’ll delve into these numbers, exploring what they mean for Tampa residents and how we can work toward safer streets for everyone.
A deep dive into Tampa 2023 crash statistics
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), between January 1, 2023, and December 7, 2023, there have been 359,560 crashes on Florida roads, leading to 229,644 injuries and 3,007 deaths.
While the year’s still not quite over, these numbers are down slightly from Florida crash statistics in 2022:
- 397,542 crashes
- 252,150 injuries
- 3,583 fatalities
Also encouraging: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) early projections of deadly crashes in the first 9 months of 2023 show that fatal car wrecks in Florida have decreased by about 3.3% from the previous year.
Despite the signs of a potential downward trend in Florida traffic deaths this year, crashes, injuries and fatalities remain a significant concern in Tampa and throughout Florida.
Let’s take a look at some more Florida accident statistics from 2023:
Of the 359,560 Florida crashes so far in 2023, a shocking 95,543 were hit-and-run accidents; that’s more than 26%. These crashes have also led to 20,569 injuries and 241 deaths, accounting for almost 9% of Florida car crash injuries and about 8% of deaths this year.
What’s more, unless hit-and-run drivers can later be located, these crashes tend to be especially hard on victims because of their limited options for financial recovery.
Another significant cause of accidents, injuries and deaths on Florida roads in 2023 has been drunk driving accidents. So far this year, accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol have led to 4,383 crashes, 2,520 injuries and 197 deaths. All of which were 100% preventable.
So, what about Tampa and other cities and towns in Hillsborough County?
Well, so far in 2023, Hillsborough County has seen:
- 22,550 total crashes
- 17,590 crash-related injuries
- 206 crash-related deaths
- 6,568 hit-and-run crashes (about 29%)
- 395 drunk driving crashes (only about 1.8%)
All of these numbers are on track to be less than those seen in 2022:
- 28,356 total crashes
- 19,273 crash-related injuries
- 228 crash-related deaths
- 7,505 hit-and-run crashes
- 483 drunk driving crashes
While these numbers are encouraging, it’s important to remember that the vast majority of crashes in Tampa and throughout Florida are preventable, making these accidents all the more tragic for victims left dealing with catastrophic injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one.
What Damages Can I Claim After a Florida Car Accident?
Learn about the different types of compensation available to car crash victims and their families in Tampa.
Recent Tampa fatal car accidents in the news
Tampa woman facing DUI manslaughter charges
A Tampa woman has been arrested for DUI manslaughter following a deadly collision in Pasco County, as reported by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). Solanch Quintanilla Coca, 30, was driving east on S.R. 54 around 9:20 p.m. Thursday, December 7, when she attempted to pass a Jeep driven by a 25-year-old man from Central Florida.
During the maneuver, Quintanilla Coca hit the Jeep from behind, causing the driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, to be ejected from his vehicle. He later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital.
FHP indicated that Quintanilla Coca exhibited signs of impairment at the crash scene and has been charged with DUI manslaughter.
Two people died in Tampa car chase on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
On December 8, a 22-year-old man, Leosvany Arias Roman, was arrested on multiple charges, including the deaths of 2 individuals, after a high-speed chase on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reported that Roman crashed into a rideshare vehicle and multiple law enforcement cars during the pursuit, leading to the fatalities.
The incident began with an investigation into a stolen vehicle, where Roman, driving a stolen Ford Mustang, rammed into 2 Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office vehicles and fled, triggering the fatal pursuit.
One of the victims was identified as Ron Solvesky, an 18-year custodian at South Range Local Schools in Ohio and a devoted family man and community member. His death has deeply affected both his family and the school district.
Additionally, Mohamed Ali Pujol, 30, has been arrested for attempting to hit a deputy with his Mercedes. The deputy narrowly escaped injury by jumping out of the way. Pujol was later apprehended by Tampa police using stop sticks.
Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the reckless disregard for human life shown by the suspects, emphasizing the gravity of the charges aimed at ensuring Roman and Pujol face justice for their actions.
Tampa woman arrested in deadly hit-and-run accident
A 29-year-old woman from Riverview, Bellina R. Rossie, has been apprehended for her involvement in a hit-and-run incident in Tampa that resulted in the death of a 43-year-old man.
Tampa Police, responding to a call early on the morning of October 16, found the man’s body off Causeway Boulevard near the Shrimp Docks. He had suffered severe blunt-force trauma indicative of being hit by a vehicle while cycling in the bike lane.
Investigative efforts led detectives to a damaged 2016 Honda Civic at Rossie’s apartment complex, matching evidence from the crash scene, including blue paint from the victim’s bicycle on the car.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed condolences to the victim’s family and emphasized the importance of responsible driving. The diligent work of the detectives brought some closure to the victim’s family in this tragic and senseless loss.
Get help from an experienced Tampa car accident attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or death because of another driver’s negligence, it’s crucial to know that you have options for seeking justice and compensation. At Lorenzo & Lorenzo, we understand the physical, emotional and financial toll that an accident can have on victims and their families.
Our knowledgeable Tampa car accident attorneys are dedicated to advocating for your rights and helping you navigate the legal complexities that arise after an accident.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you on your journey to recovery and justice.
References
Crash Dashboard. (n.d.). Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
Traffic Safety Facts Crash • Stats. (2023). https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813530
