How To Avoid Crashes & Dangers On The North Port to Sarasota Commute
North Port, once a middle-of-nowhere place, Sarasota residents made fun of, has become the second fastest-growing city in America. For those of us who have lived here over the past 10 years, we have seen our sleepy town turn from a place with no traffic, to a place where it takes 2.5 hours per day sitting on Price Boulevard just to bring your kids back and forth from school.
Commuters who make the trip to Sarasota every day can also face multiple traffic snarls, often before they even make it onto I-75, by being stuck in traffic on Toledo Blade near the I-75 on-ramp, or on notorious Price blvd.
For those of us who make the 30-mile drive on I-75 to Sarasota, or on US-41 (Tamiami Trail) into Venice, the roadways can be entrenched with traffic hazards and potential accidents at every stage of the trip. What are the dangers associated with this route, and what is some driving information we can use to stay out of harm's way of a potential accident?
As long-time North Port accident attorneys, the lawyers at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh understand the importance of staying alert and informed about the local areas in North Port and Sarasota so that your commute will be as safe and pleasant as possible.
What Are The Potential Dangers Of Commuting From North Port to Sarasota?
Congestion Leads To Aggressive Driving
One major contributing factor that increases the potential for an accident while commuting along this route is the heavy traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours. With thousands of commuters traveling between North Port and Sarasota on a daily basis, the chances of encountering an aggressive driver who is engaging in reckless behavior increase. Tempers can flare early in the trip, as just to get to I-75 when you are in North Port many times you can get stuck in traffic on Price Boulevard trying to get onto Summter, or on Toledo Blade Blvd just trying to get to the ramp for I-75. Along I-75 and US-41 (Tamiami Trail), tailgating, speeding, sudden lane changes, or sudden traffic slowdowns in the middle of nowhere can increase the risks of a dangerous collision.
Construction Zones On I-75 On the Communte To Sarasota
Road Construction is a common sight along the I-75 and US-41 roadways, especially now as a sound suppression wall is going up and the interchanges at Bee Ridge and Clark are getting a variety of improvements to accommodate the heavy traffic from our growing population.
However, these construction zones can be hazardous with sudden lane closures, reduced speed limits, uneven lanes, and merging traffic along your route on Tamiami trail. These construction areas make driving more hazardous and could increase the risk for an accident. Drivers must stay alert while commuting from North Port to Sarasota and adhere to posted speed limits and warnings to avoid accidents in these construction zones. With the many improvements that are occurring along the highway in Sarasota traffic slows down on the highway and increases congestion along I-75 during rush hour times. Many times you can get stuck on the highway for hours in traffic just sitting in your car, worse, getting into a crash while boxed in between concrete barriers and traffic is even more dangerous.
Local Roads And Intersections In Sarasota Can Be Dangerous
Once drivers exit the highways, they will often navigate local roads and intersections to reach their destination. Some notoriously dangerous intersections in Sarasota include Fruitville Road and Beneva Road, University Parkway and Lockwood Ridge Road also and Gulf Gate Drive. These intersections are known for their high volume of traffic, frequent congestion, and complex traffic patterns, having resulted in a large number of crashes, which can be challenging even for experienced local drivers. When drivers from up North are on the roads it can increase the risk of an accident dramatically.
Weather-Related Road Hazards
Florida’s unpredictable summer weather can play a role in increasing the risk of an accident commuting between North Port and Sarasota. Heavy rain, fog, smoke from brush fires, and even an occasional tropical storm can reduce visibility and increase hazardous conditions. Hydroplaning, loss of control, and multi-vehicle pileups are all potential outcomes when weather conditions deteriorate. Some areas of the roadway between North Port and Sarasota may have standing water which could cause your vehicle to hydroplane. During Hurricane Ian, a large stretch of I-75 near Summter was completely flooded and the highway closed for several days, so after a storm be sure to watch out for standing water while driving on your commute.
Follow These Driving Safety Tips While Commuting From North Port To Sarasota
To reduce your risk of having an accident on your commute from North Port to Sarasota, especially for new residents not familiar with our area, take into consideration the following safety information:
New Residents - Plan Your Route
Before leaving your home, plan your route in advance, and be aware of any construction areas or high-risk areas. Use Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, and INRIX Traffic information. Stay informed about the current traffic conditions in the area using real-time traffic updates from local radio stations or from mobile apps.
Practice Defensive Driving
Stay alert and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Be prepared for sudden stops or lane changes, and always use your turn signals when changing lanes or making turns on your commute. Watch out for the macho-speed-racer types on I-75. 70-80 MPH is fast enough for most people, but some drivers feel the need, to weave in and out of traffic exceeding 80mph. At this speed, the slightest problem can be deadly for anyone near the speeding driver.
Adjust For Changing Weather Conditions
Slow down and increase your following distance during inclement weather when driving from North Port to Sarasota. Ensure that your vehicle's headlights, windshield wipers, and tires are in good working condition to handle any weather-related challenges.
Watch Out For Blown Truck Tires And Debris In The Road
It's very common to encounter a large piece of blown semi-tractor trailer tire when driving on Interstate 75. While they are technically rubber, they are also filled with steel bands and are very heavy. Stiking a piece of tire at 70 miles per hour can cause damage to your car, and flying pieces of tire are capable of crashing through a windshield. So always keep an eye on the road far enough ahead to avoid any tires or debris in the road.
Stay Calm And Patient While Driving
To avoid being aggressive while driving, you must remain patient during congested periods along your route. Rushing to reach your destination can lead to poor decision-making and increase the chances that you could have an accident.
Getting Compensation After A Crash In North Port
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in North Port, or on the way to Sarasota it will be essential for you to have an experienced accident attorney on your side who understands these local areas. The lawyers of Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh have been representing the North Port and Sarasota areas over 10 years, and our attorneys have more than 150 years of combined experience representing car accident cases. Our firm has won over $500 million for injured clients and is your best choice for representing you if you have been injured in an accident in North Port. Call us today at (941) 954-1234 for your free case review.
