Jacksonville Car Accident Statistics: Trends and Insights

Car accidents in Jacksonville are an ongoing public safety issue that impact thousands of residents each year. With the help of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and tools like JaxStats, we can now better understand how and where these accidents happen and, more importantly, how to prevent them. 

In this deep dive into Jacksonville car accident statistics, we’ll explore data trends, causes, and demographics, providing insights that inform public safety and legal advocacy alike.

And if a Jacksonville car accident caused by someone else has left you or a loved one injured or worse, you can contact Morgan & Morgan anytime for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options and how you may be compensated.

The Latest FDOT and JaxStats Data Review

According to the most recent FDOT and JaxStats reports, Duval County reported over 24,000 crashes in the past year alone, including more than 12,000 injury-causing accidents and over 200 fatalities. These figures are sourced from law enforcement crash reports and compiled into comprehensive annual reviews by state and local officials.

Jacksonville consistently ranks among the top Florida cities in terms of accident volume due to its large population, expansive road network, and high commuting traffic.

Year-Over-Year Accident Trends

Crash data in Jacksonville shows an upward trend over the past five years, though the pandemic brought a temporary dip in 2020 due to decreased travel. From 2021 to 2023, however, accidents increased by nearly 10%, aligning with a nationwide trend of rising roadway fatalities.

Duval County has seen particularly sharp increases in certain types of accidents, including distracted driving and speeding-related crashes. This reflects broader concerns about aggressive driving habits post-pandemic.

Fatalities vs. Non-Fatal Injuries

Of the thousands of accidents reported annually, about 1 in 5 result in a non-fatal injury, while fatalities, though a smaller percentage, continue to rise. FDOT data shows that approximately 220 people lost their lives in Duval County car crashes in 2023, a number that has crept up despite efforts to implement Vision Zero strategies.

Serious injuries (those requiring hospitalization) make up a significant share of non-fatal crashes. These injuries often involve long-term recovery and substantial legal and financial challenges for victims.

Types of Car Accidents in Jacksonville

When examining traffic accident trends in Jacksonville, the following crash types are most prevalent:

• Rear-end collisions: The most common type, often resulting from tailgating or distracted driving.
• T-bone or side-impact crashes: Frequently occur at intersections and are among the most dangerous.
• Head-on collisions: Less common but usually fatal or severely injurious.
• Multi-car pileups: Common on highways like I-95 and I-295, especially during peak traffic hours.

Understanding these patterns can help drivers take extra precautions depending on the road environment and time of day.

Who’s Most at Risk? Here Are the Demographics: Age, Gender, and Neighborhoods

Accident data broken down by demographics reveals:

• Young drivers (ages 16–25) are involved in the highest percentage of crashes, often due to inexperience or risk-taking behavior.
• Men are more frequently involved in severe or fatal accidents, while women are more likely to be injured in lower-speed collisions.
• Hotspots by neighborhood include Riverside, San Marco, Arlington, and areas near downtown, where traffic congestion and pedestrian activity are highest.

High-income neighborhoods tend to have fewer crashes but more severe outcomes due to higher speeds and less pedestrian infrastructure.

Weather and Road Conditions That Contribute to Jacksonville Car Accidents

Florida’s unpredictable weather plays a significant role in crash statistics. Rain is a leading contributor to accidents, particularly during the summer rainy season, when roads become slick and visibility drops, as well as on highways and bridges, where hydroplaning is common.

Poor lighting, potholes, and outdated intersections are also recurring issues in Duval County, and city data is increasingly being used to identify and fix these hazards.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Distracted Driving

DUI-related crashes remain a stubbornly high concern in Jacksonville. According to FDOT:

• Alcohol or drug impairment contributed to roughly 12% of all fatal accidents in Duval County last year.
• Distracted driving, including texting while driving, is cited in up to 25% of local crashes, though underreporting is likely.

Law enforcement campaigns like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and increased roadside checks have had some effect, but more preventive education is needed.

Know the Hotspots: Interactive Graphs or Heatmaps

Jacksonville's open data portal, FDOT dashboards, and other resources provide heatmaps of crash locations that illustrate the highest-risk areas. These tools allow users to:

• Filter accidents by time of day, severity, or weather conditions
• Identify problem intersections
• Track year-over-year crash rates by neighborhood

These visualizations are powerful tools for both citizens and city planners focused on making infrastructure improvements.

Public Policy & Legal Insights

The data clearly shows that strategic infrastructure upgrades, better driver education, and stronger enforcement can all reduce crash rates. Legal advocacy also plays a vital role in pushing for lower speed limits in residential areas, more protected pedestrian crossings, and expanded use of red-light cameras and smart traffic signals.

At Morgan & Morgan, we use this crash data to support clients’ cases and advocate for long-term policy changes that promote public safety.

Calls to Action for Safer Roads

Improving traffic safety in Jacksonville isn’t just a job for city officials—it requires action from all of us. Here’s how you can help:

• Stay alert and avoid distractions, especially your phone.
• Drive sober, always.
• Obey speed limits and traffic signals.
• Report hazardous conditions through the city’s 630-CITY system.
• Support local initiatives aimed at safer streets and smarter infrastructure.
  
   

Frequently Asked Questions

How many car accidents happen in Jacksonville each year?

Over 24,000 crashes were reported in Duval County last year, with thousands involving injuries or fatalities. In 2023, there were 33,960 car crashes reported in Jacksonville, Florida. These crashes resulted in 493 severe injuries and 154 deaths. In 2024, up to October 24th, there were 18,347 car accidents reported in Jacksonville. 

That means on average in the past three years, Jacksonville experienced an average of over 25,400 car accidents each year, with accidents steadily on the rise year-to-year.

What’s the leading cause of accidents locally in Jacksonville?

The leading cause of accidents in Jacksonville is distracted driving, followed closely by speeding and impaired driving (alcohol or drug-related). According to recent data from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and local law enforcement, distracted driving, especially texting or using a phone behind the wheel, is a major contributor to both minor and serious crashes throughout Duval County.

Other contributing factors include:

• Failure to yield the right of way
• Aggressive driving or road rage
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Tailgating, which often leads to rear-end collisions
   

Efforts to reduce these behaviors include public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement, and the use of red-light and speed cameras in high-risk areas.

How does Jacksonville compare to other Florida cities for car accidents?

Jacksonville has one of the highest crash rates among major Florida cities due to its large geographic size and high vehicle usage.

In 2023, Jacksonville ranked as the 5th riskiest U.S. city for driving.

What age groups are most involved in car accidents in Jacksonville?

Drivers aged 16–25 are involved in the most accidents, especially injury crashes.

Are hit-and-runs increasing in Jacksonville?

Yes, hit-and-run accidents have been increasing in Jacksonville and across Florida. In 2021, the number of hit-and-run crashes in Florida increased by over 17% compared to 2020, according to the FLHSMV. Florida also reports that hit-and-run fatalities increased by over 18% and serious bodily injuries increased by 20% in 2021 compared to 2020. This trend is mirrored in Jacksonville, where there were record traffic crash fatality figures in 2021. 

What time of year has the most accidents?

Summer months and holidays like Thanksgiving and New Year’s tend to see consistent spikes in crash numbers.

What are the trends in DUI-related crashes in Jacksonville?

From 2017 to 2021, the data shows Jacksonville trending upwards. From 2019 to 2020, Jacksonville doubled the number of deadly DUI crashes, going from 20 the year before to 46 in 2020. In 2023, a study ranked Jacksonville ranked the deadliest U.S. city for DUIs because of the number of DUI deaths relative to our population.

How many car accident fatalities occur annually in Jacksonville?

Roughly 200–220 fatalities occur each year in Duval County due to car accidents. Between 2021 and 2023, a total of 508 people lost their lives in traffic crashes in Jacksonville, according to Jacksonville Today. 

How accurate are car accident statistics?

Data is typically collected from police reports, but some incidents, especially minor crashes or unreported distracted driving, may be underrepresented due to going unreported. That means even though Jacksonville reports a high number of accidents, the true total may be even higher.

Where can I find official Jacksonville crash data?

FDOT’s official Crash Dashboard and Jacksonville’s Open Data portal provide the most up-to-date and detailed information.

What if I Need Help After a Car Accident in Jacksonville?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Jacksonville car accident, Morgan & Morgan is here to help. 

With over $25 billion recovered for our clients and a local understanding of Duval County traffic laws and crash trends, our attorneys have the experience, know-how, and commitment to get justice For the People. 

If someone else’s negligence caused you a car accident and injuries, insurance alone may not cut it. You may be facing piling medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and long-term conditions that will alter how you experience the rest of your life.

In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for these damages. 

Don’t bear the burden of someone else’s mistake. At Morgan & Morgan, we think you’re more than just another Jacksonville car accident statistic. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.