Miami is one of the country’s most beautiful cities, but also one of the toughest to drive in. Unless you come prepared, the streets can be downright scary, especially if you’re coming from a smaller city or county. However, once you get accustomed to Miami traffic and the rules in the city, things become less daunting. By being aware of the differences in driver attitudes and legislation, you’ll be able to enjoy your time on the roads and hopefully avoid an incident. Here are a few essential tips for surviving Miami roads.
Have a Good Lawyer on Call
One of the first things you need to do is to make sure that you have a good Miami car accident lawyer on call in case anything happens. Working with a lawyer will make sure that you’re compensated properly if you suffer an injury, and ensure that the procedure goes well in case you have to appear in court. Talking with a lawyer will also help you know what to avoid when you’re on Miami roads.
Know Your Speed Limits
Knowing the speed limits beforehand will allow you to adapt and be prepared. The speed limit in school zones is 15mph, 30mph in residential and business areas, and 55mph on most expressways. You should also check for construction and speed limits on expressways as they’ll usually be lower when work is being done.
Avoid Rush Hour
This is important for anyone driving in a strange city, but especially in Miami. Miami traffic can get tough, so it would be wise to avoid the I95 from 7am to 10am as much as possible. You should also know that people will get impatient on the road and can get pretty aggressive, so be prepared for that.
We would also advise that you hug that right lane as tight as you can in Miami. You won’t annoy drivers, believe us. The right lane is for slower drivers, so this is the safest spot if you want to enjoy your ride without being pressured and make sure you don’t miss your exits.
Watch for Cyclists
You’ll notice a lot of people on bicycles in Miami, largely due to the high temperatures and people wanting to avoid the traffic. Make sure that you stay away from their reserved lanes, and watch out for rule-breakers. People on bicycles can get pretty brazen in the city, and some have no care for the rules, so be ready. Make sure that you always keep an eye on them and maintain a good distance.
Bicycles or not, you have to make sure that you’re aware and alert. That means no texting or cell phone use even for a second, as you never know what could pop up on the road.
If you follow these few tips, driving in Miami shouldn’t be that much of a challenge. Just make sure that you know the rules before you go, and be prepared to make some adjustments.