Lakeland is a thriving Florida city with a growing population of 127,848 residents and an annual growth rate of 2.23%. Since the 2020 census recorded 113,888 people, the city has seen a 12.26% population increase, which means more cars on the road than ever before. With increased traffic comes increased risk, making safe driving practices more important than ever for Lakeland residents and visitors.
Lakeland’s Traffic Safety Landscape
The reality of driving in Lakeland comes with serious safety considerations. In 2022 alone, 4,197 people were involved in car accidents in Lakeland, encompassing both single-vehicle and multi-vehicle crashes. Using Florida’s Traffic Safety Dashboard data, which shows an average of 1.5 accident victims per crash, this translates to approximately 2,800 total traffic accidents in Lakeland during that year.
The data reveals some concerning patterns about where these accidents occur. Intersection crashes proved particularly deadly, causing seven fatalities and 30 serious injuries. Meanwhile, lane departure crashes resulted in six deaths and 15 serious injuries. Understanding these statistics can help you stay more alert in high-risk situations.
1. Exercise Extra Caution at Intersections
Given that intersection crashes cause more deaths and serious injuries than lane departure accidents in Lakeland, approaching every intersection with heightened awareness is crucial. Always come to a complete stop at stop signs, look both ways even when you have a green light, and avoid rushing through yellow lights. Take an extra moment to scan for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers who might be running red lights.
2. Stay Alert on High-Risk Roads
Certain roads in Lakeland present greater dangers than others. Some of the more hazardous routes include US-98, US-92, FL-37/Florida Avenue, and Lake Hollingsworth Drive. When traveling these roads, reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and eliminate distractions like phone use. These areas require your complete attention due to their higher accident rates.
3. Maintain Your Lane Position
Stay centered in your lane, avoid sudden lane changes, and always use your turn signals well in advance. If you feel drowsy or distracted, pull over safely rather than risk drifting into another lane or off the roadway.
4. Take Advantage of Road Improvements
Lakeland actively works to improve driving conditions through ongoing preventative maintenance programs designed to enhance safety and extend pavement lifespan. For instance, the city recently conducted roadway milling operations on E. Main St. from S. Florida Ave. to S. Massachusetts Ave., with paving scheduled to follow. Stay informed about construction zones and road work, as these temporary conditions require adjusted driving behaviors and increased patience.
5. Adapt to Growing Traffic Patterns
Allow extra time for your commute, especially during peak hours when more residents are on the road. Practice defensive driving by anticipating other drivers’ actions and maintaining safe following distances. The increase in traffic means less room for error, making patience and courtesy essential for everyone’s safety.
By following these tips and staying aware of Lakeland’s unique traffic challenges, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in an accident while navigating this growing Florida city.