Roads, Hazards, and Accident
Data in Sarasota County
Common Accidents in Sarasota County
Types of Crashes
Car accidents lead the way with rear-ends, T-bones, and rollovers dominating, especially on I-75 and US-41. Truck crashes increase with freight traffic, while motorcycle accidents spike on winding roads. Pedestrian and bike incidents hit hard in urban Sarasota and Bradenton. From 2017 to 2023, crashes peaked at 7,065 in 2022, averaging 6,500 yearly. About 1% were fatal (around 65 deaths annually), 63% caused injuries (over 4,000 cases), and 36% were property-only. [^1]
What Causes Them
Speeding is the leading factor, especially on highways. Distracted driving, including phone use, is frequent on city streets. Summer rain creates slick conditions and hydroplaning risks. Impaired driving, tied to alcohol or drugs, peaks at night, with Sarasota Sheriff data showing DUI arrests on the rise.[^2] Construction zones also add hazards through detours and shifting lanes. Fatigue is another risk, particularly on long highway stretches.
The Numbers
From 2017 to 2023, crash totals in Sarasota County rose slightly, averaging a 0.79% yearly increase.[^1] Fatal crashes remain about 1% (around 65 deaths each year), with 63% causing injuries (about 4,095 cases) and 36% limited to property damage (about 2,340 cases). Florida ranks second nationally for pedestrian deaths, a trend reflected in Sarasota’s urban areas.[^1] Truck and bicycle crashes are also increasing as overall traffic grows.[^3]
Growth and New Construction
Road Changes
Sarasota County is expanding quickly, with new housing, businesses, and road projects reshaping traffic patterns. I-75 is undergoing widening, and roundabouts such as Gulfstream Avenue are designed to improve flow, though construction often disrupts travel.[^4] Rapid growth in North Port adds more vehicles and congestion, increasing crash risks.[^5] Busy corridors like Bee Ridge Road face temporary hazards from uneven pavement and narrowed lanes during construction.
Impact on Safety
New roads may reduce crashes over time, but often increase them during construction. Fresh pavement can encourage speeding, while detours create confusion. Crash spikes are common near active sites such as the Bee Ridge Road upgrades before conditions stabilize.[^4] Growth also brings a mix of new and older drivers, adding to overall accident risk.[^5]
Government Road Resources
County Efforts
Sarasota County Public Works oversees 2,328 lane miles, 137 bridges, and 237 signals.[^4] Traffic Engineering tracks 10,000-20,000 crashes yearly, using state and local data.[^4] The Sheriff’s Traffic Unit (941-861-4076) enforces speed and offers radar trailers.[^2] Programs like Intersection Safety and High Visibility Enforcement target risky spots.[^4]
State Support
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) manages I-75 and other major roads, publishing crash data through tools like FL511 and the Crash Data Dashboard.[^6] The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) logs all reported incidents, with fatal crashes receiving priority attention.[^7] These state resources help shape Sarasota County’s roadway safety planning.[^6]
Seeing the Data
I-75 A Crash Hotspot
Lots of cars = lots of collisions. Places where arteries intersect are clear hotspots in Sarasota county
Quick Stats
| Type | Trend | Risk Spot |
| Car Crashes | Slight rise | I-75, US-41 |
| Truck Accidents | Growing | County highways |
| Ped/Bike | High urban impact | Downtown Sarasota |
| Fatalities | 1%, ~65/year | Major roads |
A Local Resource. Learn And Research Here.
This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Sarasota County’s roads, growth, and crash data can make personal injury matters complex. It is intended as a comprehensive resource for residents of Southwest Florida.
Footnotes and References
[^1]: Data sourced from “Sarasota Crash Statistics [2023]” by Shapiro | Delgado, published July 28, 2023, getmejustice.com. Covers 2017-2023 crash totals (peak 7,065 in 2022), averages (6,500/year), and outcomes (1% fatal, 63% injury, 36% property).
[^2]: Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, “Crime/Crash Statistics,” sarasotasheriff.org. Provides DUI arrest trends and Traffic Unit details.
[^3]: “2023 Sarasota Car Crash Statistics” by Carter Family Insurance, LLC, published August 13, 2024, carterfamilyinsurance.com. Reports 6,821 crashes in 2023, with truck and motorcycle specifics.
[^4]: Sarasota County Government, “Traffic Engineering & Operations,” scgov.net. Details lane miles (2,328), bridges (137), signals (237), and construction impacts.
[^5]: General growth trends inferred from Sarasota County Public Works and local news on population increases, not directly quoted but widely noted.
[^6]: Florida Department of Transportation, “Crash and Citation Reports & Statistics,” flhsmv.gov. Provides statewide crash data and tools like FL511.
[^7]: FLHSMV, “Crash Records,” confirms annual incident logging, flhsmv.gov.