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Driving Safety Tips to Remember this Spring Break
Florida has consistently been listed as one of the top Spring Break destinations in the United States. In fact, according to a new study that looked at over 800,000 social media posts, the cities of Miami, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale were listed as some of the most popular Spring Break destinations this year. According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), more than 21,000 Florida car accidents occur every March, an increase of more than 1,000 crashes during any other month of the year. Auto accidents often occur during this time as a result of drivers’ unfamiliarity with Florida roadways, traffic patterns and unsafe driving behaviors. Most of the fatal and serious injury crashes involve teen drivers and the largest percentage of crashes (57 percent) occurs during daylight hours. Alcohol consumption is a primary factor in many of these accidents.
The following driving safety tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe on the roads this Spring Break:
Do not drink and drive: During the month of March, Florida law enforcement will be focusing heavily on enforcing the state’s drinking age laws and keeping intoxicated drivers off the road. Anyone under the age of 21 who is found to have possessed alcohol will be cited for a second-degree misdemeanor. Also, it is considered a violation to have an open alcoholic beverage container in a moving or stopped vehicle by the driver or passenger. It goes without saying, but do not drink and drive. Do not allow others in your party to drink and drive. Remember, your actions can save lives. The cost of an Uber or taxi ride is a small price to pay in exchange for saving the life of someone else on the road.
Have your vehicle properly inspected: Before heading out on a long road trip, it is important to make sure your car is ready. This means ensuring all tires are properly inflated, fluids are at proper levels and the gas tank is full. It is best to have a mechanic inspect the car before taking off on a long road trip.
Review the route: Most spring break travelers are coming from out-of-state, which means they are not knowledgeable about Florida roadways and traffic patterns. It helps to plan ahead by studying the map before hitting the road. It can also help by programming the GPS and having a designated navigator in the car, as well.
Know the road and weather conditions: Spring Break may mean warm weather in Florida, but not in other parts of the country. Be aware of the road and weather conditions on your drive down, especially if you are coming from the North. Certain areas can experience rain, sleet and snow which can make the drive more treacherous.
Break up the drive: The trip to Florida is no short drive for many of the tourists coming to the Sunshine State. It is best to break up the drive, at least into two portions, allowing you to get plenty of rest. This helps you avoid the possibility of becoming too tired to drive and causing an accident. Even if the trip is not long enough to warrant an overnight stay, it can still help to break up the trip into segments. If the driver becomes too exhausted, switch drivers or stop for a coffee and snack to recharge. It may make the trip longer than planned, but it avoids a potential deadly accident.
FREE CONSULTATION WITH A MIAMI AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident while on Spring Break in Florida, it is very important to consult with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney immediately. Florida auto accident victims have only 14 days to seek initial medical attention to receive insurance benefits after an accident, so it is important you are seen by a doctor as soon as possible following the accident. Spencer Aronfeld is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer, and he and the lawyers at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers understand Florida’s complex personal injury laws and since 1991 we have fought hard to protect the legal rights of the injured and their families- and hold auto insurers like State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, GEICO and others accountable for the pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and other damages suffered by our clients. Contact us today and speak with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney toll free 1-866-597-4529, local 305-441-0440, or by email. We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel or hospital. Call us today, we are ready to help.
