5 Types of Accidents Where Fatalities Are Common in Orlando

Orlando is a lively city with popular tourist attractions and a vibrant nightlife. Unfortunately, there is also a high number of deadly accidents. Despite being famous for its theme parks and entertainment, Orlando sees a higher number of deaths from specific types of accidents. 

The city faces frequent tragic accidents involving cars, pedestrians, or boats due to risks on the roads, waterways, and sidewalks. It’s important for families seeking justice and compensation to get legal help from Orlando wrongful death attorneys. 

They can help guide families through the legal complexities that follow these heart-wrenching incidents, and also ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Let’s look at the five categories of accidents in Orlando that often lead to fatalities.

1. Car Accidents

Car accidents happen a lot in Orlando. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were over 200 car crash deaths in Orlando in 2023. 

The high danger for drivers in Orlando is due to heavy tourist traffic, unfamiliar drivers, and confusing road layouts. Tourists might not know the area well, so they might make sudden lane changes or stops, and local drivers are often in a hurry. 

When distracted driving and speeding are added to this mix, the results are often very sad.

2. Pedestrian Accidents

Downtown Orlando is known for being a dangerous place for pedestrians. According to a report from Smart Growth America, Orlando is one of the top five cities in the United States for pedestrian fatalities. 

Distractions among drivers, poorly marked crosswalks, and heavy pedestrian traffic all contribute to these tragic outcomes. 

Tourists also play a part as they often don’t know the local traffic patterns and put themselves at risk by jaywalking or crossing in unfamiliar areas.

3. Motorcycle Accidents

Orlando motorcyclists often talk about feeling unsafe on the roads. Their concerns are valid. There is evidence to back up what they’re saying: Florida, including Orlando, has a high number of motorcycle-related deaths. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 17% of all road deaths in Florida are motorcyclists, even though there are fewer motorcycles on the road compared to cars.

Why are motorcyclists at risk? It’s simple, motorcycles don’t have the protective structures that cars do, and in Orlando, heavy traffic and drivers who aren’t paying attention make things even more dangerous. 

Riders often come across drivers who don’t check their blind spots, which can lead to deadly accidents.

4. Bicycle Accidents

Cycling in Orlando may not be as popular as in some other cities, but the number of cycling deaths is still too high.

The city’s infrastructure is not very accommodating for cyclists, and they often have to share the road with cars. This can lead to tragic consequences, especially since drivers in Orlando may be distracted by their GPS or the surrounding scenery. 

Despite some efforts to add more bike lanes, Orlando continues to be a dangerous place for cyclists, particularly when drivers fail to watch out for them.

Image source

5. Boating Accidents

Boating accidents are not commonly associated with Orlando, but Florida as a whole experience a high number of them. Orlando, with its numerous lakes and proximity to coastal areas, sees a significant number of boating fatalities. 

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida led the nation in fatal boating accidents with over 60 deaths in 2022. Factors such as inexperience and intoxication contribute to the high number of accidents. 

Many boaters on Orlando’s lakes may not be familiar with boating laws or safety procedures, and alcohol consumption often makes the situation worse, leading to fatal outcomes. 

Capsizing, collisions, and drowning frequently occur in these accidents, making them a leading cause of fatalities in recreational activities around Orlando.