Located about midway between Orlando and Tampa off Interstate 4, Lakeland, Florida is the most populous city in Polk County. Lakeland is locally referred to as the “Swan City” due to its sizable population of swans, all descended from two swans given to the city by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. Along with the swans, Lakeland is inhabited by just over 100,000 people, making the city large enough to experience its fair share of traffic accidents. Knowing what roadways and intersections to avoid, when possible, can help keep you safe as you navigate Lakeland.
A car accident can impact a victim physically, emotionally, and financially. It can often cause a ripple effect that causes the entire family to suffer for months, even years after the collision. To help keep you and your loved ones safe, the team at Kemp Personal Injury Law put together a list of the most dangerous roads in Lakeland. If you do find yourself injured in a Lakeland collision, a Lakeland car accident lawyer at Kemp Personal Injury Law can help ensure that you are fully compensated for all your injuries.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Lakeland
Not only is the city right along the extremely busy I-4 corridor between Tampa and Orlando, but Lakeland is a principal city of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area that has a combined population of over 800,000 residents. As such, Lakeland sees plenty of traffic on the city’s roadways on an average day. Although data is compiled at the county level instead of the city level, we know that there were 13,626 motor vehicle collisions in Polk County in 2023, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLSMV). As a result of those collisions, over 10,000 people were injured and 164 people lost their lives. It may not be realistic to completely avoid dangerous roadways and intersections; however, it helps to know where they are so you can avoid them whenever possible. In Lakeland, roads and intersections to avoid include:
- US-98 south of I-4: US-98 in both directions can be dangerous, but southbound is particularly dangerous because motorists are met with a mixture of residential commercial, and even a school right after you exit the fast-moving Interstate I-4.
- US-92 east of US-98: In the heart of the downtown area, this roadway is heavily traveled, making it a common place for accidents.
- Lake Hollingsworth Drive: The picturesque drive along Lake Hollingsworth is precisely what often makes this roadway dangerous as drivers are frequently distracted while driving along the lake shore.
- Florida Avenue between Doris Drive and Highland Drive: With bus stops, commercial properties, and retail stores, this heavily congested stretch of Florida Ave. is a high-accident area.
- Harden Road between Ariana Street and Beacon Road: Fast-moving traffic in this residential area frequently leads to motor vehicle collisions.
- FL-37/Florida Avenue: Traffic frequently gets backed up at this intersection which can lead to impatient drivers.
- FL-33 and I-4: Where motorists exit from I-4 onto FL-33, both north and southbound, have long been problem areas in Lakeland.
- Lakeland Hill Blvd. and US-92/Memorial Blvd.: Fast-moving traffic on Memorial Blvd. has long made this intersection one to watch out for when traveling through Lakeland.
- Crystal Lake Dr. and US-98/Bartow Rd.: This intersection, where two heavily traveled roadways meet, is the scene of numerous crashes in Lakeland.
- Wabash Avenue and Chase Street: Slower-moving traffic on Chase St. trying to merge into the faster-moving traffic on Wabash Avenue makes this intersection dangerous.
5 Things You Can Do to Help Avoid a Lakeland Car Accident
It is always beneficial to know which roadways and intersections tend to be the scene of car accidents because you can avoid them whenever possible. There are a few other things you can do to help avoid being involved in a Lakeland car accident, including:
- Think Defensively: Be aware of potential problems or dangerous spots along your route when driving and plan accordingly. Give yourself enough time to get where you are going, watch the traffic in front, behind, and beside you, and be prepared to react quickly when road conditions require it.
- Be Alert: We all know that driving while under the influence is dangerous; however, did you know that driving while drowsy can present as big of a danger to yourself and to others on the roadway? Get plenty of rest ahead of a major road trip and always pull over if you begin to feel drowsy while driving.
- Avoid Distractions: As long as we have had automobiles, we have had distractions while driving. Eating, talking to passengers, and even looking at another accident along the roadway can cause a distraction. Now, we have cell phones that have dramatically increased the number of collisions in which distracted driving was a factor. To prevent a distracted driving crash, keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind on driving.
- Watch Your Speed: Speed is a contributing factor in one out of every three collisions. To avoid a crash, keep your speed below the posted speed limit but also be prepared to adjust your speed to the current road conditions.
- Maintain Sufficient Distance: Driving too close to the vehicle in front of you won’t make them drive any faster, but it will increase the odds of a collision. To decrease the likelihood of a crash, maintain sufficient distance between you and the vehicle in front and behind you.
Get Reliable, Experienced Legal Help with Your Lakeland Car Accident Case
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, Lakeland car accident lawyer Adam Kemp can help. As a former prosecuting attorney and associate at one of America’s leading personal injury firms, attorney Kemp understands how a car accident can devastate victims and their families, and he is committed to pursuing justice for the victims.
When another party (or parties) caused or contributed to your injuries, that party should be held accountable. An experienced Lakeland car accident lawyer at Kemp Personal Injury Law can help you receive the compensation to which you are entitled for all your injuries. Our mission is to ensure that victims of preventable accidents are fully and fairly compensated by the responsible parties. Reach out to our team today for a complimentary initial consultation by calling 863-225-0254 or by filling out our convenient online contact form.
