Survey: I-95 ranked 5th deadliest interstate in America

Brother of woman killed in I-95 crash: 'It's still hard to deal with'

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Three of the nation's deadliest interstates run through the state of Florida, including Interstate 95, which ranks fifth, according to a study conducted by EverQuote.

The auto insurance company analyzed highway traffic fatalities using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from 2010 to 2015, finding there is nearly one (0.89) traffic death per mile of I-95.

Three months ago, Antoine Perkins lost his sister, Dion Greene, in a crash on I-95.

"It's still hard to deal with, hard to think about," Perkins said. "Whenever I'm upset about something, that's who I used to call, so it still bothers me."

The Florida Highway Patrol said Greene, 37, was northbound on I-95 in July when she drove over a retaining wall and crashed onto Kings Avenue below. 

"I haven't taken Dion's phone number out of my phone or nothing. (It's) still in my contacts and everything," Perkins said. 

The study found that Interstate 4 was the deadliest interstate in the country -- with 1.41 deaths per mile -- and Interstate 10 was No. 7 on the list -- with 0.85 death per mile.

Both I-95 and I-4 have been ranked among the top 10 deadliest highways for the past six years, EverQuote said. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation also recently announced that traffic deaths have increased 10.4 percent during the first six months of 2016 compared to the same time period in 2015.

The increase may be attributed to the result of a stronger economy, lower gas prices and more drivers on the road, according to the DOT. But state and national agencies agree that distracted driving causes many of the crashes. 

While there are still many questions surrounding why Perkins' sister veered off I-95, he said it's more important now than ever to keep your eyes on the road.

"People need to get off their phones while they are doing 75 or 80 (mph)," Perkins said. "That's pretty much it -- the distractions."

According to the study done by EverQuote, Florida ranks second worst nationally for phone use while driving.

Distracted driving is a secondary offense in Florida, which means that drivers cannot be pulled over unless an officer sees a driver committing another type of violation.