If you live in Pasco County, you probably have a mental list of roads to avoid due to heavy traffic, too many lights, or construction. What you may not consider, however, is the number of motor vehicle accidents on a particular road. A good example of such a road is found in New Port Richey – Trouble Creek Road.
According to local residents, there are a lot of troubles when it comes to Trouble Creek Road – including curves, blind spots, and too many drivers speeding. As ABC Action news reporter Rochelle Alleyne has reported, this road has been the subject of more than its fair share of car accidents. Various intersections along Trouble Creek Road have been the site of numerous accidents, including a recent fatal motorcycle crash. While Pasco County officials have promised safety improvements, they are waiting for funding. If you live in or around New Port Richey, then your best bet may be to avoid the road entirely.
At Distasio Law Firm, we advocate for accident victims throughout the greater Tampa area. We offer free initial consultations and never charge a fee unless we get money for you. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a Tampa personal injury lawyer, reach out to our law offices today.
Problems with Trouble Creek Road
Trouble Creek Road stretches across New Port Richey, from Fillmans Creek Estates near the Gulf of Mexico to Route 1 near Deer Creek Crossing. Many New Port Richey residents traverse it frequently, whether traveling along U.S. 19 or Pasco County Road 77, or driving down the Trouble Creek Road itself.
Trouble Creek Road and Spike Horn Drive
Although Trouble Creek Road isn’t a main artery through New Port Richey, it represents a large share of motor vehicle accidents that occur in the city. One resident of the Sunset Lakes neighborhood, Harry Hahn, has witnessed far too many accidents. He lives right at the intersection of Trouble Creek Road and Spike Horn Drive and has seen more than his share of accidents.
In June 2023, Hahn was the first person on the scene when a motorcyclist driving down Trouble Creek Road was struck by an SUV and killed. This accident happened shortly after an October 2022 crash where a biker was hit by a car and thrown through his fence and into his pool. While that man ultimately survived, he lost his leg in the process. More recently, a driver on Trouble Creek Road was in a single-vehicle accident where they ended up behind a guard rail near the same intersection.
The troubles with Trouble Creek Road – at least at this intersection – are many. According to Pasco County traffic data, many drivers speed along this section of the road, with thousands of people caught driving 5 to 20 miles per hour over the speed limit. This area of Trouble Creek Road is also poorly lit and has a blind curve.
There are possible solutions to this problem area – including a traffic signal, blocking off the intersection, and/or adding more lighting. However, a Pasco County spokesperson stated that the intersection is a low priority when it comes to these suggested improvements – and that a signal probably wouldn’t be installed until 2028. The County also stated that they can’t justify blocking off the intersection due to a lack of medians with turn lanes in the area.
Trouble Creek Road and Route 19
There are other areas of concern along Trouble Creek Road, particularly where it intersects with U.S. 19. This section of Route 19 includes a lot of businesses, which means that drivers make frequent turns. There is also heavy traffic, plus a relatively high-speed limit of 45 to 55 miles per hour along U.S. 19 – although cars often drive much faster. In fact, U.S. 19 in Pasco County has been named the deadliest road in America for pedestrian accidents.
The combination of these factors has led to a startling number of traffic accidents at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Trouble Creek Road. This is particularly true when it comes to drivers making a left turn from U.S. 19 onto Trouble Creek Road. The visibility when making this turn isn’t great, and far too many drivers misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic.
As a result, t-bone accidents happen frequently at this intersection – which often result in catastrophic or even fatal injuries. On average, there are 28 accidents each year at the junction of Trouble Creek Road and U.S. 19.
To reduce the risk of accidents, Pasco County officials could adjust the traffic signal to allow for more time for drivers to make turns. They could also step up traffic enforcement so that drivers are less likely to speed along U.S. 19. Until these improvements are made, however, anyone traveling near this intersection should proceed with caution.
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What You Can Do to Reduce the Risk of Accidents
If you live in or near New Port Richey, you may have driven down Trouble Creek Road or crossed it as you ran errands or commuted to work or school. Depending on where you live, you may find it impossible to avoid this road – which can be scary given how dangerous it can be.
Ideally, drivers will avoid the dangerous intersections along Trouble Creek Road. However, if you can’t get around it, then you can take steps to minimize the risk of being in an accident. This includes:
- Never driving if you’re under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs;
- Reducing distractions, including the use of a smartphone or other device;
- Practicing defensive driving techniques;
- Always wearing a seatbelt;
- Don’t follow too closely;
- Stick to a safe speed; and
- Look carefully and use your turn signal before making any turns.
If you live in New Port Richey and have concerns about the number of accidents on Trouble Creek Road, you can also fill out the Pasco County traffic request form. While filling out the form doesn’t guarantee that any improvements will be made, it is a way to have your voice heard.
Hurt in an Accident? We Can Help.
Whether you were involved in a crash on Trouble Creek Road or anywhere else in Pasco County, you may be dealing with medical bills, car damage, ongoing medical care, trauma, and more. If your accident was caused by another driver, then you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. Our Tampa personal injury law firm can help.
With offices in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Largo, the Distasio Law Firm fights for the rights of injury victims throughout West Central Florida. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you’ll never pay a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a Tampa car accident attorney, give us a call at 813-259-0022 or fill out our online contact form.
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