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?
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Extreme congestion makes Miami drivers more aggressive
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:
• collisions
• miles-driven
• travel times
• bike and transit accessibility
The survey also reveals that people driving through Magic City lost 35 hours of time sitting in traffic during the pandemic—even 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.
Miami is the 9th most congested city in America and 60th on worldwide scale
Miami driving tip: don’t drive during rush hour(s)
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’s traffic by staying off the streets during those times.
Miamians have their own version of the DMV handbook
That’s what the Miami New Times says. “Between the speeding, hit-and-runs, honking, and lack of turn signals, driving in Miami-Dade County should come with a warning sign.” 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’s driving her kids to school.
Miami has the worst traffic on Tuesdays from 5 PM – 6 PM
No one is safe from Miami road rage—not 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.
A Miami driving safety “Don’t” tip: don’t give in to the road rage
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’t make eye contact and take deep breaths. Keep cool, calm, and collected.
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.
In 2020, there have been 1,450 total bicycle crashes in :Pam Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties
Lack of bike-friendly roads makes it dangerous for drivers
Although Miami is known for its sunny climate, it’s still one of the worst places for bike riders. Unlike some cities, bike riders must share Miami roads with drivers. Miami-Dade County’s official website notes that bicycles must follow the same rules as cars. Yet, bikes don’t have the same protection, speed, or signals as vehicles.
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.
Driving safely around bicycles in Magic City
To drive safely around bicycles, remember that cyclists are just like other drivers. You’re to share the road with them. And pay attention to their signals. Double check when you’re 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.
Research shows Miami is one of the most dangerous places to ride a bike out of 660 cities
Language barriers make it difficult for drivers
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’s driver’s license test in English and Spanish. Naturally, that means that road signs are in both languages—right? Unfortunately, that isn’t the case.
70% of Miami-Dade residents speak a different language than English at home
Let’s put aside the fact that Miami is a huge melting pot made up of people that don’t speak English or Spanish. Traffic signs that let drivers know that they can’t turn right on a red light or that an area is a school zone might not make sense to those who don’t speak English very well. Since the overwhelming majority of Miamians speak Spanish, a language barrier creates an obstacle for driving safely.
How else can you drive safely in Miami?
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.
Check traffic conditions beforehand
Since this city is no stranger to car accidents, it’s 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.
Turn signals, use them!
One of the worst complaints about Miami driving is that registered drivers don’t use their blinkers. It may seem like a good idea to skip the turn signal and just merge. Aggressive drivers on Miami roads may not let you in, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Turn on the blinker and avoid a crash.
South Beach, Downtown, Wynwood, and Brickell are some of the most popular areas for Miami nightlife
Don’t drive distracted or drunk
It’s no secret that Magic City is a party hub. Bars and clubs stay open well into the night (sometimes morning) which makes for trouble. When you’re driving, make sure you’re alert and awake especially on weekends. Also, it’s crucial to be completely aware of your surroundings. That means no texting and driving or going behind the wheel if you’re under the influence.
Install a dashcam
Don’t play “he said, she said.” Instead, invest in a dashcam. They are simple to set up in both the front and rear ends of your car. Plus, they may save you thousands of dollars if someone decides to hit and run or blames you for the accident.
Hurricane season in Florida lasts from June 1 – November 30
Be cautious during hurricane season
Hurricane season in Florida lasts from June 1 – November 30. Be prepared for high wind and excessive rain. Make sure to drive slow if it’s raining hard and avoid any areas with flooding. If you hydroplane, stay calm and lightly pump on your break instead of stomping on it.
Drive safe out there!