{"id":18665,"date":"2021-11-05T14:30:34","date_gmt":"2021-11-05T14:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etags.com\/blog\/?page_id=18665"},"modified":"2021-11-05T14:30:35","modified_gmt":"2021-11-05T14:30:35","slug":"driving-safety-for-miami-drivers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.etags.com\/blog\/driving-safety-guide\/driving-safety-for-miami-drivers\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving Safety For Miami Drivers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
In 2020, Miami was ranked one of the most congested cities in the nation. Unsurprisingly, this beautiful but crowded city was home to 15% of all (reported) crashes in Florida. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recorded 51,543 crashes in Miami-Dade County alone among the 341,399 total crashes in Florida in 2020. South Florida gets no sleet, snow, or hail. So what makes driving in Miami so dangerous?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Extreme congestion makes Miami drivers more aggressive<\/strong><\/span> Location-based analytics company, INRIX, published their 2020 survey on traffic trends in March of 2021. Miami won the spot for 9th most congested city in the U.S. as well as the title of 60th most congested city on the planet. They ranked cities based on factors like: \u2022 collisions \u2022 miles-driven \u2022 travel times \u2022 bike and transit accessibility<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The survey also reveals that people driving through Magic City lost 35 hours of time sitting in traffic during the pandemic\u2014even with significantly fewer people on the road. On the bright side, it went down by 56% from a total of 85 hours. That said, INRIX writes that the amount of traffic dropped, but speeding increased from 2019-2020. This turns a dangerous situation into a deadly one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Miami is the 9th most congested city in America and 60th on worldwide scale<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Miami driving tip: don\u2019t drive during rush hour(s)<\/span><\/strong> Location technology, TomTom, found that the worst traffic happens from 3 PM – 7 PM. TomTom also discovered the worst time to drive in Miami is from 5 PM – 6 PM on a Tuesday. Avoid the worst of Magic City\u2019s traffic by staying off the streets during those times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Miamians have their own version of the DMV handbook<\/span><\/strong> That\u2019s what the Miami New Times<\/em> says. \u201cBetween the speeding, hit-and-runs, honking, and lack of turn signals, driving in Miami-Dade County should come with a warning sign.\u201d Of course, waiting in bumper-to-bumper traffic can turn the friendliest driver into an aggressive one. People driving to work may act reckless to get there on time. Hours of congestion in the express lane can make a Mad Max of a mother when she\u2019s driving her kids to school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Miami has the worst traffic on Tuesdays from 5 PM – 6 PM <\/p>\n\n\n\n
No one is safe from Miami road rage\u2014not even the U.S. senator from Florida, Marco Rubio. Both he and his wife have racked up several traffic tickets in South Florida that range from reckless driving to speeding in a school zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Miami driving safety “Don’t” tip: don\u2019t give in to the road rage<\/span><\/strong> Driving can be stressful, especially in a congested city like Miami. Some people choose to express their frustration through rude gestures and phrases. You may feel like you need to return the sentiment. Instead, don\u2019t make eye contact and take deep breaths. Keep cool, calm, and collected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Giving in to road rage easily escalates a situation, which can hurt you in the end and\/or the passengers inside your vehicle. Don’t take the other driver’s behavior personally, instead keep your distance. Don’t respond with any gestures, and try to avoid honking. Just carry on to your destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In 2020, there have been 1,450 total bicycle crashes in :Pam Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of bike-friendly roads makes it dangerous for drivers <\/span><\/strong> Although Miami is known for its sunny climate, it\u2019s still one of the worst places for bike riders. Unlike some cities, bike riders must share Miami roads with drivers. Miami-Dade County\u2019s official website notes that bicycles must follow the same rules as cars. Yet, bikes don\u2019t have the same protection, speed, or signals as vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
StreetLight, a company that collects data on travel patterns, found that Florida ranks as one of the deadliest cities for cyclists. More research from PeopleForBikes shows that out of the 660 American cities, Miami is one of the least bike-friendly (633 out of 660). A lack of dedicated areas for bikes to pass to and from makes it tough to drive without hitting someone biking. These factors combined make it dangerous for both cyclists and drivers, especially when drivers are speeding through the causeway with a bike rider next to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr<\/strong><\/span>iving safely around bicycles in Magic City<\/span><\/strong> To drive safely around bicycles, remember that cyclists are just like other drivers. You\u2019re to share the road with them. And pay attention to their signals. Double check when you\u2019re about to open your door and try to get into the habit of checking over your shoulder when you turn right. Driving safety around bicycles can save lives. Each year about 2% of motor vehicle crash deaths are bicyclists (iihs). In 2019, there were 843 bicyclists fatalities involving a vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research shows Miami is one of the most dangerous places to ride a bike out of 660 cities<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Language barriers make it difficult for drivers<\/span><\/strong> According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 70% of Miami-Dade residents speak a different language than English at home. Of this statistic, around 35% said they speak English less than very well. FLHMSV states that people can take Florida\u2019s driver\u2019s license test in English and Spanish. Naturally, that means that road signs are in both languages\u2014right? Unfortunately, that isn\u2019t the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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70% of Miami-Dade residents speak a different language than English at home<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s put aside the fact that Miami is a huge melting pot made up of people that don\u2019t speak English or<\/em> Spanish. Traffic signs that let drivers know that they can\u2019t turn right on a red light or that an area is a school zone might not make sense to those who don\u2019t speak English very well. Since the overwhelming majority of Miamians speak Spanish, a language barrier creates an obstacle for driving safely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How else can you drive safely in Miami?<\/span><\/strong> South Florida is a gorgeous area that deserves a visit, despite how hectic it can be. Following a few tips can make the difference between a scenic drive and a brutal car crash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check traffic conditions beforehand<\/strong> <\/span>Since this city is no stranger to car accidents, it\u2019s wise to check traffic conditions before you hop in the car. Miami-Dade County has a free tool on its website to check traffic throughout the day. Alternatively, apps like Waze can help you decide whether or not to make the drive now or later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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