From Colonial Boulevard to US-41, or even a short drive over the Edison Bridge, car accidents have become a part of daily life in Fort Myers and Lee County. With more residents moving to Southwest Florida and tourists flocking in year-round, roads are more congested than ever. But how dangerous are they, really?
Let’s take a closer look at what the latest crash data says about safety risks for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in our Fort Myers community.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Fort Myers Every Day in 2024?
In 2024, there were 14,744 total crashes reported in Lee County, which breaks down to about 40 accidents every day, that’s nearly two crashes per hour. The data comes directly from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Notably, over 5,900 injury crashes occurred this year, with 139 people tragically killed.
How Many Fatal Car Accidents Happen in Fort Myers Every Day?
There were 129 fatal crashes in Lee County in 2024, which averages to one fatal crash every 2.8 days. These crashes not only take lives but devastate families and create ripple effects across our entire community.
5-Year Crash Breakdown in Fort Myers (Lee County)
Over the past five years, crash trends in Lee County have revealed some striking patterns.
- Crash Volumes Rebounded: After a dip in 2020, crashes surged again peaking in 2023 with over 15,400 incidents.
- In contrast, 2020 saw the lowest crash volume of 11,644, that largely due to reduced traffic during COVID-19 lockdowns.
- Fatal Crashes Are Still Common: Lee County averaged 112 fatal crashes per year over the past 5 years.
- Injury Crashes Rising: Injury totals exceeded 9,000 in 2024, the highest on record.
- Meanwhile, hit-and-run crashes have surged by 35% since 2019.
Lee County Crash Statistics (2019–2024)
| Year | Total Crashes | Total Fatal Crashes | Total Injuries | Total Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 12,547 | 88 | 7,570 | 98 |
| 2020 | 11,644 | 100 | 7,028 | 107 |
| 2021 | 14,336 | 109 | 8,445 | 115 |
| 2022 | 15,282 | 128 | 8,842 | 135 |
| 2023 | 15,452 | 109 | 8,722 | 120 |
| 2024* | 14,744 | 129 | 9,044 | 139 |
To fully understand the dangers on Fort Myers roads, we need to look at how different types of crashes are trending.
Lee County Car Accidents by Type (2019–2024)
| Year | Bicycle Crashes | Bicycle Fatalities | Motorcycle Crashes | Motorcycle Fatalities | Pedestrian Crashes | Pedestrian Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 221 | 4 | 276 | 18 | 274 | 23 |
| 2020 | 216 | 8 | 297 | 18 | 297 | 22 |
| 2021 | 256 | 8 | 352 | 22 | 344 | 24 |
| 2022 | 319 | 8 | 333 | 30 | 344 | 32 |
| 2023 | 310 | 11 | 360 | 24 | 417 | 24 |
| 2024* | 344 | 10 | 320 | 31 | 376 | 24 |
What the Trends Tell Us
- Bike Crashes Are Up: From 221 in 2019 to 344 in 2024 — up nearly 56%. Fort Myers’ bike-friendliness comes with added risks, especially in downtown and coastal areas.
- Motorcycle Dangers Persist: Motorcycle crashes remain consistently high, with fatality spikes in 2022 and 2024.
- Pedestrian Crashes Are Climbing: Nearly 400+ pedestrian crashes per year are now the norm. Crosswalk safety and right-of-way violations continue to be issues in busy corridors like Palm Beach Boulevard and US-41.
Hit and Run Accidents in Fort Myers: A Growing Problem
Lee County reported more than 4,200 hit-and-run crashes in 2023, a steep increase from just over 3,150 in 2019. These crashes resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. In 2024 alone:
- 3,845 hit-and-run crashes
- 8 hit-and-run fatalities
- 626 hit-and-run injuries
Sadly, many drivers flee the scene, leaving victims without immediate help or accountability. These cases often involve uninsured motorists, impaired drivers, or those with prior records.
What’s Behind the Crash Rates in Fort Myers?
What’s Behind the Crash Rates in Fort Myers?
- Distracted Driving — Texting or using GPS apps is a leading cause of collisions.
- Speeding & Aggressive Driving — Especially on I-75, Colonial Blvd, and US-41.
- Impaired Driving — DUI arrests remain high throughout Lee County.
- Reckless Turns & Lane Swerves — At high-traffic intersections and construction zones.
- Pedestrian & Bike Risks — Lack of marked crosswalks or failure to yield leads to injury.
- Weather Events — Sudden rain and seasonal flooding also spike crash risks.
Injured in a Crash in Fort Myers? Let Us Fight for You
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident, pedestrian collision, or motorcycle crash in Lee County, our local auto accident legal team at Steinger, Greene & Feiner is here to help.
With over 25 years of experience and offices serving Southwest Florida, our injury attorneys know how to fight back against insurance companies, and win.
Call at (239) 747-7473 today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.