Every day, thousands of drivers navigate the I-95 Express Lanes through Miami-Dade County, many unaware they're traveling on what statistics reveal to be Florida's most dangerous road segment. The 3.85-mile stretch of I-95 Express Toll lanes from Little River to the Golden Glades Interchange has earned this grim distinction through a devastating track record: 27 fatalities over just three years, translating to 7.01 fatalities per mile, the highest rate in the entire state.
While crash statistics highlight the severity of the issue, they also underscore the urgent need for greater caution. The true priority must be preventing loss of life and the life-altering injuries that occur when safety systems fail.
Why This Stretch Is So Dangerous?
The dangers on the I-95 Express Lane in Little River stem from a combination of design challenges and risky driver behaviors. Florida Highway Patrol responded to 12,192 crashes in the express lanes over a three-year period, about 4,000 per year, or nearly 11 crashes every single day. The primary culprit is a phenomenon known as "lane-diving," where drivers illegally cross over the plastic delineator poles separating express lanes from general traffic lanes.
Each week, an FDOT contractor replaces anywhere from 11 to 15 percent of the plastic delineators on I-95. That means, on average, each plastic pole has to be replaced between 6 to 8 times per year. When combined with heavy traffic volume, speeding, and distracted driving, are factors that create a perfect storm for serious accidents.
Property damage is not the only consequence; crashes in this area can result in severe injuries to drivers and passengers, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
Safety Improvements Show Promise
Recognizing the severity of the problem, FDOT implemented significant safety interventions between March 2016 and June 2017. In order to reduce the gap between delineators, the agency replaced old plastic poles with stronger, more closely spaced delineators. It resulted in a reduction of 87% in lane-diving incidents and a reduction of 31% in crashes within the express lanes after this seemingly simple change was made.
Additional safety measures include the creation of emergency stopping zones and wider pull-off areas with at least 13-foot-wide shoulders between SR 112 and the Golden Glades area. These improvements provide safer spaces for law enforcement stops and emergency vehicle access. Road Rangers are dispatched to assist in cases of incidents that are continuously monitored by cameras and sensors.
Unfortunately, these safety measures haven't eliminated all concerns. The roadway remains risky despite improvements, as core design problems, excessive speeds, and aggressive driving patterns continue to threaten motorists.
Get Legal Help After an Express Lane Crash
Despite safety modifications, accidents still plague the I-95 Express Lane in Little River. When these collisions strike, victims often must navigate overwhelming healthcare bills, reduced earnings, and ongoing recovery challenges. Knowing how much a car accident case is worth in Florida depends on a number of factors, including your injuries, lost income, and diminished quality of life. Our firm, The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, has handled complex vehicle accident cases and secured multi-million dollar settlements for clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties.
Never accept a settlement that is inadequate or that minimizes your claim. Schedule a free consultation with The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary to have your situation carefully reviewed and evaluate your case. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.