Last Updated on September 4, 2023 by Mike
Driving in a big city like Miami can be daunting. Some drivers even call it torture. Florida residents may already know this. However, for those who are not used to driving in Miami, this may come as a surprise.
When in a bustling and vibrant city like Miami, expect traffic congestion. Expect that there will also be erratic drivers. With these in mind, you must be extra cautious and alert when you’re driving in Miami. Suffice it to say that driving in Miami, as in other cities, requires that you’ve passed a DMV written test.
Now, here are 7 fast facts and advice that you need to know to survive driving in the city:
1. Do not assume.
Miami traffic can jeopardize your safety. Hence, do not assume the other drivers are as careful as you. There will always be erratic drivers. To avoid accidents, keep a safe proximity between vehicles. Watch out for pedestrians as well. As much as you can, avoid sharing a lane with cyclists.
2. Avoid the rush hour.
Rush hour in Miami can be torture. If you do not drive earlier, expect to be stuck in traffic. Traffic can build up quickly. Morning rush hour is on I-95 and is usually between 7 a.m. and 11a.m. Thus, get up and hit the road earlier.
When you’re not from Miami, watch out for locals who may switch lanes. Some drivers may even be going too fast. Take extra caution.
3. Driving on the right lane is safer.
You can’t take chances when driving in Miami. Even if cruising sports cars must remain on the far left, there are drivers who may suddenly switch lanes. To be safe, stay in the right lane. This is especially true if you’re not familiar with directions in the city. The right lane is for driving at low speed.
4. Know and follow the rules on crosswalks.
In Miami, as in other cities, crosswalks are zones designated for crossing cyclists and pedestrians. Watch for crosswalks, especially when you’re in a crowded area like Miami Downtown. Follow the rules: yield to pedestrians and cyclists when the light turns red.
5. Keep an eye on cyclists.
There are many cyclists in Miami. Some ride their bikes due to the high temperatures and to avoid traffic jams. There are lanes reserved for them. However, some cyclists may not obey traffic rules. To avoid accidents, stay away from their lanes and always keep an eye on them. Maintain a safe distance and yield to them when required.
6. Watch out for taxis.
There are reports that some taxis and ride-sharing vehicles in Miami tend to randomly stop to load or unload passengers. While many drivers are cautious, some aren’t and may cut you off or switch lanes for no reason. The best thing to do is to keep an out on them, especially when driving in busy areas of the city.
7. Avoid distracted driving.
It’s easy to get distracted while driving, especially when you’re in a big city like Miami. It’s a major driving issue. When you notice that the drivers around you, when in traffic, are using their phones, all the more reason to be cautious. You’ll be able to predict their movements better if you’re not distracted yourself. Focus on the road.
