The summer is a great time to enjoy all that Miami has to offer, from beaches to attractions and nightlife. However, it’s also the time when the city sees an influx of tourists. This can lead to increased traffic and potential car accidents, especially when drivers who are unfamiliar with our roadways are trying to navigate using their GPS or other directions.
Below are some tips on how to prevent car accidents with tourists this summer in Miami.
Pay Extra Attention Near Tourist Areas
South Beach or Downtown are likely places you’ll find increased foot and car traffic. Pay attention to your surroundings, be aware of pedestrians who might dart out into the street, and use extra caution when making turns or backing up. This is even more important at night, when visitors may be drinking, further lowering their situational awareness.
Educate Out-of-Towners on Our Roads
If you have family or friends visiting from out of town, make sure they’re aware of our unique roadways. Explain that many of our streets are one-way and point out any major landmarks or intersections they should be aware of.
These pointers might seem like common sense to you, but remember that not everyone is familiar with our roads. We all benefit when locals politely educate visitors.
Follow the Rules of the Road
This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember, especially when you’re driving in an unfamiliar area. Obey all traffic signals and posted speed limits. This is not the time to be cutting corners or trying to beat the light. Also, be extra cautious when making turns, as tourists are often distracted by maps or GPS devices and might not see you coming.
Following the rules of the road helps keep everyone safe. Your actions can also protect you from liability in the event of a crash. Your attorney can argue that you were upholding your duty of care while driving and that the other driver caused the crash because of their negligent or reckless behavior.
Be Prepared to Stop Suddenly
This is especially important when driving in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, such as South Beach or near the Bayside Marketplace. Be prepared to stop suddenly if someone darts out into the street in front of you. Never assume that a pedestrian sees you, even if they’re looking in your direction.
In popular party spots like South Beach, be aware that people might be crossing the street who are not paying attention to traffic. They may have had too much to drink and could stumble into your path without realizing it. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, even if they might not be paying attention to their surroundings.
Go Easy On the Horn
While it may be tempting to honk at a driver who cuts you off, this can startle them and cause them to make an even more dangerous maneuver. It is also easy for someone to equate overuse of your horn with aggressive driving or a potentially dangerous situation.
Even if the other driver isn’t startled by your horn, it could cause them to focus more on you and your vehicle than on the road, leading to a distracted driving accident. Use your horn sparingly and only when it’s necessary.
Drive Defensively
Be aware of your surroundings and don’t make any assumptions about what other drivers will do. Don’t assume that a car will stop at a red light just because it’s their turn. Driving defensively does not mean driving combatively. If you think of the worst possible move each vehicle could make around you, you’ll never be surprised when one inevitably does just that. Your passengers will thank you for your foresight and vigilance.
Be Patient
Remember that tourists are probably unfamiliar with the area and may not know the best route to take. Cutting them off or driving aggressively only increases the chances of an accident and will give the other driver’s insurance company justification for denying your claim. You may also receive a high percentage of blame through pure comparative fault.
Don’t Fool Yourself Into Thinking It’s All Tourists
No matter where you go, locals in tourist destinations are quick to blame visitors for their woes, but finding data to back those claims up is more difficult than you may expect. Poor road conditions, dangerous traffic patterns, and multi-lane highways are all contributing factors that make Miami-Dade County the most dangerous county in the state in terms of car accidents.
By following these tips, you can help prevent car accidents with tourists this summer in Miami. If you are involved in an accident, be sure to call a personal injury lawyer who can protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
1-800-Injured Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident in Miami-Dade County, whether as a tourist or local, contact us as soon as possible. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can connect you with the legal help you need.
Once you are partnered with a lawyer, you can stay focused on your health and recovery while an experienced professional fights to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve.