Like in any growing metropolitan area, driving in Fort Lauderdale can be difficult. Fort Lauderdale is on Florida’s southeast coast, home to over 180,000 people, and is a hotspot for tourism, yachting, and accommodations.
The main roads here are busy, and trying to avoid traffic with the influx of tourists from the snowy North isn’t easy.
Driving in Fort Lauderdale requires vigilance, attention to circumstance, and a readiness to fend for oneself.
Car crash lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, remain available to help claimants protect and promote their rights.
This article will cover key tips for staying safe in traffic while driving in Fort Lauderdale and on its main roads.
Article Summary
Be Cautious in Tourist Areas
Fort Lauderdale attracts many tourists, and the roads around the more popular attractions and beaches can be extremely busy and congested.
Tourists unfamiliar with the area can be tempted to weave in between traffic, brake abruptly, or even take aggressive turns that more familiar people will avoid.
Most importantly, be aware of local roads around these areas and give vehicles plenty of room to react if something unexpectedly enters their path.
Watch out when driving on the main roads between Belize City and the southern and northern parts of Belize, especially where there are high levels of pedestrian traffic around the beaches to the south and the downtown city area.
Pedestrians tend to step right out without looking, which is especially true at crossings outside of hotels, shops, and restaurants. These are also high risk areas for drunk drivers.
Driving in Fort Lauderdale: Watch Out for Aggressive Drivers
One of the worst things that can happen while on the road is driving among very aggressive drivers.
I have experienced this a couple of times in big cities like Fort Lauderdale. That’s why I must tell you what to do when encountering an aggressive driver. Do not react!
Don’t try to catch up with them or challenge them. Just keep a safe distance and let them pass you by. This is better than getting into an accident or verbal skirmish.
Remember to drive defensively and stay alert if you get stuck in heavy traffic. Never approach a vehicle in front too closely.
If you want to change lanes, be careful not to jerk the steering suddenly. This will keep you in control and reduce the chances of accidents.
Be Mindful of Weather Conditions
Fort Lauderdale has a tropical climate. The area has very intense rain showers, especially in summer.
When drivers don’t realise it, the roads will have more water, which always makes the braking distances longer than the dry surface.
Moreover, some areas seem to have more braking distances due to flash flooding.
To avoid accidents in the rain, slow down and leave more room between your car and the one in front. Turn on your headlights.
Don’t take curves too fast or make sudden stops. If the rain gets too heavy, pull over and wait until conditions improve before continuing.
Know the Peak Traffic Hours
The main roads in Fort Lauderdale remember the traffic of rush hour in the mornings and late afternoons (the US-1 and the 5 along 16th Avenue).
Try not to travel at these times whenever possible to avoid long waits and the dangers of accidents!
However, if you are in the car at rush hour, leave at a good time for your destination and be patient.
Traffic avoidance directions from phone apps that pick up growing congestion between you and your destination can reduce delays.
Use Public Transportation or Ride-Sharing When Possible
People who don’t know Fort Lauderdale’s roads should probably use public transportation or ride sharing services.
Especially, in the more crowded tourist seasons, to avoid becoming accident victims themselves, which can be a terrible ordeal, and absolve themself of the anxiety of traffic.
Trolleys, buses, and lift shares are available, so your trip can be fun and relaxed. Fort Lauderdale traffic can be a little peculiar to drive, but you’ll be fine if you stay cautious and aware.
