With winter just around the corner, this is the time of year when you start seeing snowbirds fleeing to Florida during the winter months. As much as tourism is a great benefit to the local economy, it can also mean that residents struggle to get to work, go to the beach or participate in other activities. Congested roadways and drivers who don’t know local traffic laws make things worse.
As a resident of Miami, you should know that there are some ways to help protect yourself when tourism peaks in the winter months. Here are some ideas.
1. Avoid corridors used by GPS navigation systems
The first tip is to get to know the roads in your area and to avoid those that are most often used by GPS units. For example, if there is a major highway leading to a tourist destination that you have the ability to avoid, take the back roads instead. You’ll be less likely to get into a crash or get stuck in busy highway traffic.
2. Watch out for people breaking traffic laws
Another tip is to be cautious about people who are breaking traffic laws. For instance, some drivers might be used to speeding, because their state law enforcement officers don’t often enforce speed limits unless drivers go 9 or 10 miles per hour over. In some states, it’s still legal to use a cell phone or text while driving. Florida’s traffic laws don’t necessarily match up with other states’ laws, so be cautious when you see a vehicle from out of the area.
3. Give yourself more time for your travels
Finally, give yourself more time to get where you’re going. While tourism can be wonderful, it has the effect of slowing down traffic and causing congestion throughout Miami. The best thing you can do during the busy tourist season is to give yourself more time to get where you want to go. Traffic may be slower, and you may have to wait much longer to make turns or to find parking. Giving yourself more time will mean you’re less stressed and that you can pay better attention to what’s going on around you.
These are three tips to help you avoid a crash during tourist season in Miami. Be cautious, and you can help prevent crashes caused by stress, broken traffic laws and drivers who are unfamiliar with the area.
