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Watch Out for Oncoming Traffic: New Study Reveals Top Florida Counties Where Pedestrians Are Most at Risk

By  //  November 21, 2025

  • Bradford County has the highest rate of pedestrians struck by passenger cars in Florida, reporting 3.58 incidents per 100,000 residents.
  • Hardee County (second) and Taylor County (third) reported 3.10 and 2.80 pedestrians struck per 100,000 residents, respectively.
  • Conversely, Okeechobee, Union, and Wakulla counties were among the Florida counties that recorded zero pedestrian strike rates.

A new study reveals that Bradford County has the highest number of pedestrian collisions in Florida when adjusted for population size.

The research by Florida-based personal injury lawyer Blakeley Law Firm analyzed pedestrian crash data from 2019 to 2023 via the NHTSA database across Florida counties. The study calculated the average pedestrians struck per 100,000 residents to identify counties where pedestrians face the greatest risks from passenger cars.

Bradford County leads the state with 3.58 pedestrians struck per 100,000 residents, 225% higher than the Florida statewide average of 1.1 pedestrians struck by passenger cars per 100,000 residents. With a population of 27,910, the county averaged one pedestrian strike annually between 2019 and 2023. The highest number of incidents occurred in 2019, with four, while 2021, 2022, and 2023 recorded the lowest, with zero incidents.

Hardee County ranks second with 3.10 pedestrians struck per 100,000 residents, 182% higher than the Florida statewide average of 1.1 pedestrians struck by passenger cars per 100,000 residents. With a population of 25,848, the county averaged 0.8 pedestrians struck annually between 2019 and 2023. The highest number of incidents occurred in 2019, 2020, and 2023, with one incident each, while 2022 recorded the lowest with zero incidents.

Taylor County ranks third with 2.80 pedestrians struck per 100,000 residents, 155% higher than the Florida statewide average of 1.1 pedestrians struck by passenger cars per 100,000 residents. With a population of 21,448, the county averaged 0.6 pedestrians struck annually between 2019 and 2023. The highest number of incidents occurred in 2019, 2021, and 2022, with one incident each, while 2020 recorded the lowest with zero incidents.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson at Blakeley Law Firm commented:

“The data highlights a troubling pattern: smaller, rural counties in Florida are experiencing disproportionately high rates of pedestrians being struck by cars. Factors such as limited street lighting, higher speed limits on rural roads, fewer sidewalks, and longer emergency response times often contribute to these elevated risks.

“Even though larger urban counties report higher total numbers of pedestrian incidents, the per-capita rates in these smaller counties are alarming. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved pedestrian infrastructure alongside enhanced traffic enforcement, including sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic calming measures. Pedestrians and drivers should exercise extreme caution, particularly in counties that consistently record high pedestrian strike rates.”

Monroe County ranks fourth with 2.48 pedestrians struck per 100,000 residents, 125% higher than the Florida statewide average of 1.1 pedestrians struck by passenger cars per 100,000 residents. With a population of 80,524, the county averaged two pedestrians struck annually between 2019 and 2023. The highest number of incidents occurred in 2019, with five, while 2021, 2022, and 2023 recorded the lowest, with one incident each.

Washington County ranks fifth with 2.37 pedestrians struck per 100,000 residents, 115% higher than the Florida statewide average of 1.1 pedestrians struck by passenger cars per 100,000 residents. With a population of 25,323, the county averaged 0.6 pedestrians struck annually between 2019 and 2023. The highest number of incidents occurred in 2021 and 2022, with one incident each, while 2020 recorded the lowest with zero incidents.

Dixie County (6th) documented a rate of 2.37 pedestrians struck per 100,000 residents, followed by Alachua County (7th) at 2.35, Volusia County (8th) at 2.14, Jackson County (9th) at 2.10, and Walton County (10th) at 2.00.

Table for Extended Results

Top 10 Florida Counties with the Highest Pedestrian Strikes by Passenger Cars
Florida County Pedestrians Struck by Passenger Cars per 100,000 residents Rank
Bradford 3.58 1
Hardee 3.10 2
Taylor 2.80 3
Monroe 2.48 4
Washington 2.37 5
Dixie 2.37 6
Alachua 2.35 7
Volusia 2.14 8
Jackson 2.10 9
Walton 2.00 10

The study was conducted by Blakeley Law Firm, a Florida-based personal injury law firm representing clients injured in motor vehicle accidents or those who have lost loved ones due to negligence. The firm focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death claims.

 

Methodology

The research analyzed Florida pedestrian crash data from 2019 to 2023 via the NHTSA database, calculating the average annual pedestrians struck per 100,000 residents for each county to identify areas where pedestrian safety is most at risk.

Data Sources