Traffic fatalities on State Road 85 draw attention to holiday driving dangers in Okaloosa
Okaloosa County, Florida – Based on a recent survey by TruckInfo.net, State route 85 in Okaloosa County, has the unenviable ranking of second most dangerous route in the United States for Thanksgiving travel. Examining almost two decades of data from 2003 to 2022, the study reveals a shocking picture of the risks holiday visitors traveling this congested route face.
The results highlight a disturbing reality: Thanksgiving, among the busiest travel times of the year, increases traffic risks. An important artery for local and regional travel, State Road 85 has become the center of attention for traffic death issues. Experts cite a mix of more holiday traffic, inattentive driving, and erratic weather as contributing reasons to the road’s infamous safety record.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) started a $10.5 million enhancement project in December 2023 in order to handle these issues. With an eye toward improving road safety through a variety of enhancements, the project is focused at a particularly dangerous 2.3-mile stretch between Hospital Drive and U.S. 90. Among these were milling and resurfacing, building high-tension wire barriers in the median, enlarging road shoulders, changing sidewalks to ADA compliance, and improving guardrails and signs.
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Thanksgiving’s reputation as a high-risk travel season is well-founded. The National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) reports that the holiday regularly ranks among the deadliest times on American roads. Rising traffic volume combined with drivers running to get at their destinations creates a volatile mix. This instability on State Road 85 is enhanced by its distinct traffic patterns and volume of commercial and personal cars sharing the road.
Officials of transportation emphasize the need of awareness. Drivers must be careful even with the safety enhancements. During this busy season, understanding the traffic rules and respect of them might make all the difference.
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While some people find the modifications somewhat comforting, others find they insufficient to offset the road’s notoriety. Many of the people are choosing different paths whenever at all possible, a choice they believe improves their safety.
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The classification of State Road 85 as a dangerous Thanksgiving travel route reminds Okaloosa County of the continuous difficulties in guaranteeing driver safety as it keeps working to improve road conditions. It also emphasizes the joint obligation of drivers and authorities of transportation to make travel as safe as feasible during the holiday season.
