Florida Snowbird Season: Traffic Safety Tips for Drivers

As summer fades and Florida heads into fall, our already-busy roads also begin to feel a little different, particularly heading into next month. “Snowbirds” – seasonal residents who typically live half the year in northern states before migrating to southern areas for the winter – will soon head to Sarasota and Manatee counties, meaning traffic is set to surge and it’s not a stretch to say that the likelihood of an accident will rise. With more vehicles, drivers navigating changes to roads they’re now unfamiliar with, and locals adjusting to heavier congestion, fall and winter can be particularly dangerous seasons for Florida motorists and, at the very least, it’s important to be aware of what’s approaching soon.

A Closer Look at ‘Snowbird Season’ and Why it Matters

It’s widely recognized that snowbirds, whose average stay in Florida runs from October to April, add about one million residents to the state – a roughly 5% rise in population during these months. Without a doubt, Sarasota and Manatee counties are impacted by seasonal residents entering the region every year. In fact, Sarasota was among the top 25 most popular destinations for snowbirds to flock in an analysis by FinanceBuzz this year. In 2019, as much as 10% of Manatee County’s population was estimated to be seasonal.  

Be Prepared During Our Busiest Time of Year

 

• • Allow for Extra Travel Time: Patience is key while behind the wheel, especially in slower, heavier traffic – and a big way to relieve stress is by leaving 15 to 30 minutes earlier, giving you plenty of time to reach your destination.

 

• • Keep Your Distance: You may need to react to split-second situations – and the more time you have, the better. Follow the “three-second rule” and keep a safe distance from cars in front of you and never tailgate.

 

• • Eliminate Distractions: This applies year-round, especially when you’re faced with heavier traffic. Set your GPS before you leave the driveway, put down your phone while behind the wheel, never reach for loose items on the floor and don’t eat and drive or multitask.

 

• • The Time to Speed is Never: Again, there’s never a “right time” to disobey  the speed limit. Speeding kills and it’s never worth breaking the law to get to your destination quicker. In fact, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) notes speeding has been involved in roughly a third of all motor vehicle fatalities for over 20 years.

Involved in an Accident? We’re Here for You.  At Gallagher & Hagopian, we’re local – and we win local. If you’re ever involved in an accident, our law firm is ready to help you fight for your rights, right here. Our attorneys have handled a wide range of auto accident cases over the decades we’ve lived and worked in Sarasota and Manatee counties with a proven track record of results.