Safety First: Preventing Car Accidents in Florida’s Busy Streets

Traffic is a part of life in Florida. Unfortunately, busy roads are a key factor behind car crashes.

As a driver, you can reduce your risks of getting into an accident by learning to navigate busy streets safely. Read on to learn more about how to prevent car accidents in Florida.

Understanding the Traffic Landscape in Florida

Florida's traffic landscape feels uniquely diverse with its mix of busy urban areas and rural roads. There are more cars than ever on the roads between the state's growing population and its strong tourism industry.

Florida roads saw more traffic in 2023, with a 2.7% increase in miles traveled in rural areas and a 1.9% increase in urban traffic compared to 2022. However, traffic is increasing faster in some areas, with Miami experiencing 30% more traffic between 2021 and 2022.

Traffic can also fluctuate during the year. For instance, Memorial Day weekend is a very busy period, with as many as 2.4 million vehicles on the roads. The tourist season also results in more traffic between November and April.

Dangers are present on busy highways where a simple mistake can quickly turn into a pileup involving several vehicles. Drivers must also be careful in cities where busy intersections can be particularly dangerous.

Defensive Driving Techniques

As traffic continues to increase, it's important for drivers to know how to prevent car accidents in Florida.

These defensive driving techniques can help:

• Keep your distance. Use the three-second rule to leave enough space between your car and other vehicles.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for road debris and pay attention to what other drivers are doing.
• Pay close attention to pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles.
• Eliminate distraction. Use the Do Not Disturb mode on your phone if you have to.
• Pay attention to signage and follow all traffic rules, including posted speed limits.
• Pass with care and avoid passing if you can't do it safely.
• If possible, avoid driving during rush hour or look for alternative itineraries to stay away from busy roads.

Road Safety Education and Awareness

Safe driving habits combined with an awareness of the key factors contributing to crashes can go a long way in helping you stay safe.

So far, in 2023, drugs and alcohol caused more than 4,000 crashes and over 350 deaths. Last year, distracted driving played a role in more than 53,500 car accidents reported in Florida.

These statistics show that thousands of crashes are preventable. Speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving are obvious dangerous behaviors, but simple things like being more courteous behind the wheel can help create a safer environment.

Road safety education should start early. Parents can encourage their teens to take a safe driving pledge or explore resources from the Teen Safe Driving Coalition.

Driver improvement schools are an excellent option for those who need help developing safer driving habits. Safety campaigns from the Florida Department of Transportation are also great reminders of the many dangers that lurk on the road, ranging from drunk driving to child passenger safety.

Infrastructure Improvements

Cities and state agencies are also doing their part to make the roads safer.

There is a statewide trend to adopt safer design practices throughout Florida. More cities are using improved signage, pavement friction, turn lanes, roundabouts, and traffic control devices.

Here are a few examples of recent improvements:

• Tampa recently received a $2.6 million grant to adopt speed mitigation measures on four of the city's busiest streets.
• Orange County is lowering speed limits in many residential areas.
• In June 2023, Florida adopted a new law that allows the use of speed cameras in school zones.

Technology and Innovation for Safety

Your choice of vehicle can help keep you safe. New cars come with advanced features that either prevent crashes or protect you from severe injuries.

For instance, car makers are fighting the nationwide speeding epidemic with intelligent speed assist. This feature alerts drivers or reduces the car's speed if it exceeds the legal limit.

Most recent cars also come with autonomous emergency braking. This technology prevents crashes by detecting obstacles and automatically stopping the vehicle before a collision.

In the future, we could see additional safety features such as improved lane departure systems powered by AI or even sensors that prevent drunk driving by measuring alcohol levels.

Adopting Safer Driving Habits

As Florida roads keep getting busier, everyone has a role in creating a safe and respectful environment.

Remember to use defensive driving strategies next time you get behind the wheel. Discussing dangerous behaviors such as texting or drunk driving can also go a long way in encouraging friends and family to drive more responsibly.

While these tips will help you stay safe, accidents can still happen. If you find yourself in this situation, Accident.com can help.

Take a few minutes to fill out our online form, and we'll match you with a local lawyer for a free consultation.

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