Analysis
In 2016 Everquote named Interstate 4 the most deadly interstate highway in America. State Route 429 is not an interstate highway, but the recent spate of accidents makes one wonder if State Route 429 is on track to be added to the list of the most dangerous highways in the country.
According to the City of Apopka, there have been at least six accidents requiring action by the Apopka Fire Department on 429 or at a 429 interchange in the last 11 days:
The Apopka Voice asked the Apopka Police Department about the accident activity on State Road 429 and were told there were many factors to consider including; construction, increased use, speed, and design.
Three of the reported accidents involved the 429 connector road at 441. According to Mary Brooks, Public Information Officer for the Wekiva Parkway project, the Central Florida Expressway Authority is reviewing the pavement striping near the north end of 429. They are reviewing data from the northbound ramp speed sensors.
"Drivers need to be extra vigilant in work zones because of changing traffic patterns," said Brooks.
The speed limit on 429 was raised to 70 MPH two years ago after studies indicated higher traveling speeds are not necessarily associated with an increased risk of being involved in a crash.
It is not certain there has been an actual increase in accidents, only that there seems to be more accidents being reported via social media.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here