Where Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Fort Myers?

Staying safe on Lee County roads can be a challenge—in fact, crash data from the Florida Department of Safety and Motor Vehicles shows that Lee County was named one of the Top Ten most dangerous places to drive in Florida. High traffic volumes, unsafe driving behavior, and plenty of people unfamiliar with the roads all create a perfect storm for frequent motor vehicle collisions.

US Route 41 is frequently cited as one of the most dangerous roads in Fort Myers, but it’s not the only one. When you’re aware of road conditions that are more likely to lead to a crash, you can take defensive driving action or even avoid those dangerous highways completely. But, if the worst happens, and you are involved in a serious collision, our Ft. Myers car accident lawyer can help you explore your legal options, including pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver.

Roads with the highest accident rates in Ft. Myers

We noted that US Route 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail when it runs east-west through the city, is one of the most hazardous roads. A few specific places along the road are particularly perilous, especially during peak hours.  The two-mile stretch of Business 41 in North Ft. Myers has reported the highest number of fatal collisions in Southwest Florida; as of March 13, 2025, 29 people have died on Lee County roads, surpassing Palm Beach and Hillsborough counties (counties with historically high fatal crash rates). Business 41 also has an increased risk of rear-end collisions along its commercial corridors due to heavy commuter traffic, the proximity of multiple traffic lights, and frequent stops during rush hour.

Several intersections along Tamiami Trail are especially hazardous for drivers:

• U.S. 41 & Estero Parkway
• U.S. 41 & Williams Road
• U.S. 41 & Pine Island Road

Each of these busy intersections sees a frequent number of crashes each year and a number of fatal collisions, as well. Finally, be careful at the intersection of Gladiolus Drive and Tamiami Trail. Its confusing traffic patterns and higher speeds of traffic make it more dangerous than it appears.

Another dangerous road in Fort Myers is Colonial Boulevard, due to its high traffic volume and ongoing construction. It shares many of the other hazards of Business 41, too, including packed lanes during rush hour and plenty of tourists paying closer attention to the sights and their GPS than the road. The stretch of Colonial Boulevard between Fowler Street and McGregor Boulevard is especially hazardous; expect to see a more active police presence in this area.

What makes these Fort Myers roads so dangerous?

High traffic volumes throughout the day, not just during rush hour, contribute to the higher accident rates on US Route 41 and Colonial Boulevard. These two “main drags” see more travelers than other roads in the city, and more cars mean more chances that a distracted driver will cause an accident. Heavy congestion and the accompanying frustration increase the likelihood of drivers engaging in reckless behavior. Merging vehicles and suddenly cutting into traffic also increases the likelihood of getting into an accident.

The intersections along US Route 41 also pose an unusual risk. Many of them have challenging layouts, which can make determining the right-of-way and even which lane to be in more difficult for drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the road layouts.

The dangers of distracted drivers on Ft. Myers roads

Another risk on Fort Myers roads is one that is found across the country: distracted driving. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), in an average year, 325,000 people are injured in traffic collisions involving a distracted driver, and an average of 3,200 are killed. Using a phone while driving is one of the most common types of driver distractions, but it’s not the only one.

Distractions behind the wheel fall into three categories:

• Cognitive, distracting the mind from anticipating dangerous behavior of other drivers or potential dangers on the road
• Physical, in which one or other hands are off the wheel, making it harder to control the vehicle
• Visual, or looking at something other than the road. This could be a billboard, passenger, GPS, or a phone

Using a phone while driving involves all three types of distractions, making it one of the most dangerous things to do behind the wheel, aside from drinking and driving. While you can’t control what other drivers are doing, you can protect yourself by paying close attention to the road so you can more readily avoid a collision.

Need help after a car accident in Fort Myers?

Have you or a loved one been involved in a car collision on one of Fort Myers’ most dangerous roads? You deserve strong legal representation to protect your rights. The experienced car accident attorneys at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath are here to help you pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact us today at (561) 655-1990 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on recovery.