3 Ways to Prevent Accidents with Snowbirds This Winter

Snowbirds, people who travel to Florida to escape harsh northern winters, visit every year with good intentions, such as visiting attractions and supporting the local economy. Unfortunately, due to the spike in population and non-air travel means, traffic issues and accidents occur more frequently because of this yearly migration.

Florida is a popular winter destination and hasn’t decreased in popularity for over ten years. Tourists and Florida travelers may not know the areas well, the local traffic patterns, and may not always exercise healthy driving habits that could help prevent accidents. Follow these three guidelines to prevent future accidents with snowbirds from occurring this winter.

1.   Avoid Speeding When Driving in Florida This Winter

October through May especially, avoid speeding because it can increase your chances of an accident with a snowbird. Because snowbirds may not be familiar with the roads and traffic patterns, they are more likely to make quick, unconscious decisions on the roadway. If you are speeding, it cuts down on your ability to react in a timely manner to a potentially hazardous situation. According to Consumer Reports, about 32% of car accident deaths occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., so you should always follow speed limits during these times of the day.

2.   Avoid Distracted Driving When Driving in Florida This Winter

Indulging in distracted driving habits could be the difference between a safe decision and a deadly one. When you stay alert to the road and environment around you, it decreases your chances of an accident with a snowbird.

Avoid situations that may indicate that a driver on the roadway is practicing unsafe driving habits such as texting or impeding local traffic patterns. This may be someone unfamiliar with the area and is unknowingly putting others around them in danger of an accident. About 49,000 accidents occurred in 2020, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, as a result of distracted driving. This means drivers were doing one or more of the following actions while driving:

• Texting or talking on the phone
• Using social media
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Having conversations with other passengers
• Looking in the mirror to adjust their appearance
• Reading
• Using the GPS
• Watching movies and videos
• Adjusting the radio or other media devices

Take alternate routes on heavily trafficked roads to avoid stressful and potentially hazardous situations.

3.   Be Aware Of Driver Fatigue in Florida This Winter

One of the most concerning aspects of snowbirds migrating to Florida is the grueling travel times on the roads that may affect their attention, judgment and motor skills. Drivers who experience signs of fatigue and keep driving increase the chances of an accident occurring. If you notice a driver on the road doing any of these actions, they may be driving fatigued:

• Swerving
• Drifting in and out of lanes
• Consistently hitting the rumble strip
• Missing their lanes or making sudden decisions on the roadway

Contact an Expert Car Accident Attorney in Florida

Experiencing a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. If you experience an accident involving a snowbird, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and suffering. Contact an expert Florida car accident lawyer to receive the guidance you need with your claim.

Baker Legal Team has 30 years of proven experience in helping those who have suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence in a car accident by building solid claims for clients. Robert Baker, a board-certified attorney, is determined to provide committed representation to help get the resolution they deserve. Call us today at 561-560-5961 or fill out this contact form for a free consultation.