Fatal Accident Trends on I-75

Stretching from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Miami, Florida, Interstate 75 is one of the longest north–south corridors in the United States. Carrying millions of passenger vehicles and commercial trucks each year, it serves as a vital economic lifeline—and a corridor of risk.

Over the past decade, I-75 has experienced thousands of fatal crashes, reflecting a troubling mix of congestion, speed, weather extremes, and driver fatigue. By studying the underlying causes, evolving trends, and safety measures along this route, we can better understand why fatal crashes remain a persistent threat on this major highway.

A Decade of Data: The Scope of the Problem

Between 2013 and 2023, I-75 recorded hundreds of fatal collisions each year. According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s magazine (IACP Police Chief Magazine), speeding, impairment, and failure to use seat belts remain the leading contributing factors in road crashes.

From 2013 to 2022, traffic deaths on major U.S. highways increased by more than 20%, with a sharp spike during the COVID-19 pandemic years. I-75 mirrored this pattern, with double-digit percentage increases in fatal collisions in 2020 and 2021, primarily due to emptier roads encouraging higher speeds. In contrast, northern states reported a rise in multi-vehicle crashes caused by winter storms and impaired driving.

Regional Differences: From the Midwest to the Deep South

The 1,786-mile stretch of I-75 spans drastically different environments—from Michigan’s icy slopes to Florida’s storm-prone highways—creating unique crash patterns. In the north, winter weather drives multi-car pileups caused by black ice, snow squalls, and poor visibility. The 193-vehicle crash near Detroit in 2015 remains one of the deadliest in the highway’s history.

Farther south, especially in Georgia and Florida, warm weather and tourism traffic introduce new dangers. High speeds, lane weaving, and impaired driving are frequent factors in fatal crashes. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, I-75 ranks among the state’s top three highways for deadly collisions, with the Tampa–Ocala region showing the highest concentration.

These regional contrasts reveal how weather, road design, and driver behavior combine to shape fatal crashes on I-75 from one state to the next.

Primary Causes Behind Fatal Crashes

While every crash is unique, federal and state data point to several dominant causes of fatal accidents along I-75.

Here are the key contributing factors over the past decade:

• Speeding: Excessive speed has been involved in roughly one-third of all fatal highway crashes nationwide.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment remain major contributors, with nearly 30% of I-75 fatalities involving an impaired driver.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, in-car entertainment, and navigation devices continue to cause deadly lapses in attention.
• Fatigue: Long-distance travel and commercial trucking schedules increase the risk of drowsy driving.
• Weather and Visibility: Fog, heavy rain, and winter precipitation often cause chain-reaction crashes due to limited visibility and delayed braking.

Each of these factors interacts with others—speed combined with distraction or fatigue can amplify the severity of outcomes. 

Commercial Vehicle Involvement

Tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles are involved in a disproportionate share of fatal I-75 crashes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that large trucks are present in nearly 13% of all fatal crashes nationwide, despite comprising a much smaller percentage of total vehicles.

On I-75, long-haul routes and heavy freight traffic amplify that risk. Trucks often cover over 1,200 miles per trip, making fatigue and maintenance critical issues. When a truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the difference in mass means fatal outcomes are far more likely for occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Investigations into truck-related fatalities rely heavily on engine control module (ECM) data, hours-of-service logs, and maintenance records. These tools help determine whether driver fatigue, speeding, or mechanical neglect contributed to the crash. 

The Role of Infrastructure and Enforcement

Highway design plays an undeniable role in determining fatality rates. Rural stretches of I-75 often feature fewer median barriers, limited lighting, and greater distances between exits. Urban segments, though more congested, tend to experience lower fatality rates due to reduced travel speeds and faster emergency response times.

State and local governments have invested in infrastructure upgrades to address these issues. In Florida and Georgia, increased patrols and automated speed-enforcement programs have helped reduce fatal crashes in several high-risk areas.

However, the overall result remains a patchwork of safety measures that vary widely depending on local priorities and available funding.

Why Fatality Trends Persist Despite Safer Vehicles

Modern vehicles are safer than ever. Advanced braking systems, lane-departure alerts, and adaptive cruise control have significantly reduced crash rates overall. Yet fatality numbers on I-75 remain stubbornly high.

Experts attribute this paradox to behavioral adaptation—drivers feeling overconfident due to safety technology, combined with riskier habits like speeding or distraction. The spread of smartphones and in-car infotainment systems has also introduced constant temptation.

Moreover, population growth in southern states has pushed I-75 traffic volume to record levels. More drivers, higher speeds, and growing freight demand continue to create conditions for deadly collisions.

Claim Timelines and Legal Steps After a Fatal Crash

Families affected by a fatal I-75 crash face more than grief—they must also navigate complex legal procedures. 

To protect your rights, it’s critical to act quickly:

• Obtain the official crash report and witness statements.
• Secure ECM or dashcam data before it’s lost or overwritten.
• Collect medical and coroner documentation to establish causation.
• Consult an experienced wrongful death lawyer to handle communication with insurers and opposing parties.

Prompt legal action ensures evidence is preserved and damages—including funeral costs, lost income, and pain and suffering—are properly pursued.

Contact an I-75 Wrongful Death Lawyer

Fatal crashes on I-75 have claimed thousands of lives over the past decade, cutting across state lines and affecting countless families. Whether caused by speeding, fatigue, or reckless commercial driving, these tragedies demand accountability and reform.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a highway accident, we can put you in touch with an experienced I-75 wrongful death lawyer who can help investigate, analyze evidence, and pursue fair compensation under state and federal law.