JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office often shares “Duval Traffic Truth” on its social media profiles. One of the truths: “In Jacksonville, you are more likely to die in a traffic crash than be murdered.”
In another post, the sheriff’s office said there were 205 traffic deaths in 2020 in Jacksonville. Of those crashes, 59 of them had a victim that was not wearing a seat belt.
On Feb. 8, police stressed the importance of the Move Over law after three of its officers were taken to the hospital after being injured in crashes. “All three incidents could have been prevented had drivers paid attention to their surroundings,” JSO said.
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The MOVE OVER law means just that – MOVE OVER for stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility service vehicles, and tow trucks/wreckers. If you cannot safely MOVE OVER, slow to 20mph below the posted speed limit.
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) February 8, 2021
Action News Jax also took a look into the number of deadly crashes involving a bicyclist or a pedestrian in Jacksonville over a three-year period -- 2018, 2019 and 2020.
According to JSO records, in the past three years, 26 fatal crashes involved a bicyclist and 140 fatal crashes involved pedestrians.
In 2020 alone, 205 deadly crashes took place in Jacksonville:
- 67 involved at least two vehicles
- 48 were single-car crashes
- 50 involved a vehicle and a pedestrian
- 25 involved a vehicle and a motorcycle
- 11 involved a vehicle and a bicycle
- 4 were listed as “other”
Overall, JSO said there was a 25% increase in traffic fatalities in Duval County in 2020 compared to 2019.
The sheriff’s office shared what were the top 25 high-frequency crash sites citywide in 2020.
The data shows crashes occurred on several portions of Blanding Boulevard, 103rd Street, and Southside Boulevard.
LOCATION | COUNTS |
---|---|
BLANDING/YOUNGERMAN | 113 |
ARGYLE FOREST/ BLANDING | 84 |
BLANDING/ COLLINS | 80 |
103RD/ RICKER | 77 |
SOUTHSIDE/ ATLANTIC | 75 |
103RD/ OLD MIDDLEBURG | 73 |
NEW KINGS/ EDGEWOOD | 67 |
ARLINGTON/ CESERY | 65 |
103RD/ BLANDING | 62 |
FOURACKER/NORMANDY | 48 |
BAYMEADOWS/ PHILIPS | 58 |
GATE/ SOUTHSIDE | 54 |
MCDUFF/ ROOSEVELT | 53 |
COLLINS/ RAMPART | 53 |
CLAIRE/ SAN JOSE | 53 |
MCCORMICK/ MONUMENT | 52 |
J TURNER BUTLER / SOUTHSIDE | 51 |
UNIVERSITY BLVD/ POWERS | 49 |
BEACH/ SAN PABLO | 48 |
BAYMEADOWS/ SOUTHSIDE | 47 |
ATLANTIC/ KERNAN | 46 |
103RD/ FIRESTONE | 46 |
RICHARD/ UNIVERSITY | 45 |
ST. JOHNS BLUFF/ ATLANTIC | 45 |
HARTLEY/ SAN JOSE | 47 |
JSO overall wants citizens to remain safe on the roads, part of the reason it shares Duval Traffic Truth.
Below are some tips and local statistics they have shared to keep you safe.
Remember: Riding a motorcycle is a diminishing skill and you need to practice it. Don’t just get your practice when you are riding. We encourage you to go to an open parking lot and practice braking and avoiding obstacles.
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) February 11, 2021
Duval Traffic Truth:
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) February 3, 2021
There were 205 traffic fatalities in 2020. In 59 of those crashes, the victim was not wearing their seatbelt.
Seat belts save lives. Buckle up! pic.twitter.com/AwadIPLhnv
Duval Traffic Truth:
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) January 25, 2021
That text message can wait until you safely arrive at your destination.
Focus on the road, not your phone!#DuvalTrafficTruths #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/irIrkoskaQ
#DuvalTrafficTruths - Bike safety is for everyone – children and adults! These tips are simple and will help to keep you safe while cycling.
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) January 8, 2021
Motorists: Remember that bicyclists have rights, too! Pay attention to your surroundings and drive with caution ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/jcw8Npt9WE
#DuvalTrafficTruths – a 2020 traffic fatality recap:
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) January 5, 2021
🚗 vs. 🚙 – 67
🚙 – 48
🚗 vs. 🚶 – 50
🚙 vs. 🏍 – 25
🚗 vs. 🚲 – 11
Other – 4
There was a 25% increase in traffic fatalities in Duval County in 2020 compared to 2019.
Drive, ride, and walk with caution. pic.twitter.com/CjILQwQB7N
In Jacksonville, you are more likely to die in a traffic crash than be murdered.
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) January 21, 2021
Slow down, Duval!#DuvalTrafficTruths #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/2Eq6fSLZnx
Cox Media Group