Stay Safe During Summer Driving In Southwest Florida

As we are finally starting to get the long-awaited summer rainy season in southwest Florida, residents in Charlotte County must stay alert to the road hazards that the weather will bring for drivers. Newly arrived Florida residents may not be accustomed to the summer weather-related driving hazards our subtropical landscape ushers in. The Fort Myers injury lawyers at All Injuries Law Firm want everyone to be aware of the sudden dangers our summer weather can bring.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has marked August as one of the most perilous months for Florida drivers. This period typically sees an increase in heavy rains and flooding, elevated traffic due to tourism and school vacations, and rising temperatures leading to vehicular damage which, unfortunately, can translate into more accidents.

Florida, affectionately known as the Sunshine State, attracts an impressive number of tourists. According to the Florida Office of Tourism, over 35 million people toured the state between July and September 2022 alone, marking a 7 percent rise from the previous year. While the majority of these visitors might not drive here, their eventual reliance on local transport significantly amplifies the volume of traffic on our roads. More vehicles on streets like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Fowler Street in Fort Myers mean a higher risk of crashes, with congestion often provoking road rage and other aggressive driving behaviors.

Summertime also marks the end of the school year, which means an increased presence of teenage drivers on our roads. These young drivers, still gaining experience and maturity, are more likely to speed, overlook seatbelts, and easily succumb to distractions, making roads like the intersection of Colonial Boulevard and Summerlin Road in Fort Myers potentially more hazardous. Factor in their newfound summer freedom, and you have a recipe for increased road risks.

Hot Pavement, Makes Pavement With Sharp Shells Damaging For Tires

Another summer issue we often overlook is tire blowouts. The hot weather, while perfect for our spirits, can be incredibly harsh on vehicle tires. High temperatures cause the air inside the tires to expand, resulting in potential blowouts. This risk becomes particularly alarming when the mercury soars above 90 degrees for more than two consecutive days—a common occurrence in our Florida summers. Neglecting vehicle maintenance, including tire care, can lead to liability if it contributes to a crash.

Florida's weather also brings along the challenge of fatigued drivers. Long road trips are common in summer, with many drivers attempting marathon driving days to reach their holiday destinations. Roads such as US-41 and the intersection of Six Mile Cypress Parkway and Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers could see more of these weary travelers. Add to this the energy-draining effect of our intense heat, and it's clear why drowsy driving becomes a more prominent issue in the summer months.

Our regular afternoon thunderstorms, while offering a respite from the heat and a beautiful spectacle, can create difficult and sometimes dangerous driving conditions. With slick roads, reduced visibility, and potential flooding, drivers navigating through intersections like McGregor Boulevard and A&W Bulb Road in Fort Myers may find themselves in precarious situations. If caught in one of these storms, pulling over and waiting for clearer skies is always the best course of action.

Finally, summer celebrations like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the 4th of July often see an increase in alcohol consumption, which unfortunately translates to a rise in drunk driving incidents. Besides being illegal, drunk driving can also be a crucial factor in a civil car accident case. Opting for a friend's company on the drive home or a ridesharing service can prevent a regrettable incident and potential legal fallout.

Summers in South Florida, while a paradise for most, can be challenging for drivers. But with increased awareness and appropriate precautions, we can navigate these risks and enjoy our beautiful region safely. The dedicated team of attorneys at All Injuries Law Firm in Fort Myers is available to assist anyone affected by these summer hazards. Together, we can contribute to making our roads safer this summer.

What are some of the summer driving hazards in South Florida?

South Florida's summer season typically exacerbates certain road hazards. These include increased heavy rains and flooding, elevated traffic due to tourism and school vacations, and rising temperatures leading to vehicular damage. The season also sees an increase in the number of teenage drivers on the road and a rise in long-distance road trips, which often results in fatigued drivers. Regular afternoon thunderstorms can create dangerous driving conditions, and summer celebrations often lead to an increase in drunk driving incidents.

How does the influx of tourists during the summer impact traffic in Florida?

With over 35 million people visiting Florida between July and September alone, the increase in tourists significantly amplifies traffic volume. Even though most tourists may not drive to Florida, their reliance on local transport results in more vehicles on the roads, which can lead to a higher risk of accidents due to congestion and increased aggressive driving behaviors.

Why are teenage drivers a concern during the summer season in Florida?

The end of the school year sees an increased presence of teenage drivers on the roads. As they are still gaining driving experience and maturity, they are more likely to speed, overlook seatbelts, and become distracted. Coupled with their newfound summer freedom, this makes for an increased risk on the roads.

How do summer temperatures in Florida contribute to road hazards?

Hot weather can lead to tire blowouts, as high temperatures cause the air inside the tires to expand. The risk is particularly high when temperatures rise above 90 degrees for more than two consecutive days. Neglecting vehicle maintenance, including tire care, can potentially lead to accidents and liability.

What precautions should drivers take when encountering Florida's afternoon thunderstorms while on the road?

Afternoon thunderstorms can create challenging and dangerous driving conditions, including slick roads, reduced visibility, and potential flooding. If drivers find themselves in such conditions, the best course of action is to pull over and wait for the storm to pass and for conditions to improve.

How can drivers prevent drunk driving incidents during summer celebrations?

Summer celebrations like parties, beach trips, boating trips or holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the 4th of July often see an increase in alcohol consumption, leading to a rise in drunk driving incidents. To prevent this, drivers can choose to have a friend drive them home or use a ridesharing service after consuming alcohol.