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FLORIDA - Florida's 2024 crash report reveals Jefferson County had the highest fatal crash rate per capita, while Liberty County recorded zero traffic deaths, highlighting a stark contrast in road safety across the state.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recorded slightly more than 380,000 collisions last year, marking a modest decline for the third consecutive year.
Fatal wrecks totaled 2,979.
Officials say overall injuries also fell, crediting added patrols and enforcement campaigns.
Seat belt usage climbed to 91%, the best rate in a decade.
Miami-Dade logged the most deadly crashes, yet Jefferson County proved deadliest when population is considered, posting 7.27 fatal collisions for every 10,000 residents.
After Jefferson came Hamilton, Glades, Madison, Hardee, Levy, Dixie, Franklin, Lafayette, and Gilchrist, each reporting at least 3.61 fatalities per 10,000 people.
Marion led Central Florida with 2.79, keeping the region off the danger list.
Liberty County registered zero traffic deaths, earning the title of safest county.
The remaining low-risk group included Monroe, Seminole, St. Johns, Okaloosa, Clay, Pinellas, Orange, Miami-Dade, and Indian River, all below 1.1 fatalities per 10,000 residents.
State safety advisers told the Orlando Sentinel that rural speed, impaired driving, and limited trauma care continue to widen the county gap.
Experts urge drivers to respect limits, wear seat belts, and silence phones to keep next year’s numbers lower.