Traffic in Tampa Bay is no joke, and for new drivers, this can be a frustrating and scary scenario.
There are numerous heavily trafficked areas in Tampa Bay, Florida, including:
- Gibsonton Drive: This road is notorious for having a high accident rate, which includes incidents caused by aggressive driving, left-turning vehicles, and motorcycle crashes.
- S. 301 and Big Bend Road: This is one of the area’s most dangerous intersections.
- 20th St. and 22nd St.:Rush hour traffic accidents frequently occur at this intersection near the base of the Licata Bridge.
- Brandon Boulevard: This 7-mile stretch of road from Falkenburg to Dover sees a high number of collisions.
- Hillsborough Avenue: You will want to exercise extreme caution when cruising Longboat Boulevard and Florida Avenue as this is a hotspot for traffic collisions.
- Interstate 10: This is regarded as one of the nation’s most hazardous routes. It runs through the Panhandle to Jacksonville and extends all the way to Santa Monica, California.
Tips for Teen Drivers Navigating Traffic
The key to navigating construction zones and congestion is to be prepared. Here are some tips from our Tampa Bay Car Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton for avoiding traffic jams:
- Music is not the only thing on the radio. Check the local news channel for the most recent traffic report before getting in your car. There are even traffic-only stations in certain locations. Alternatively, before leaving, check online for traffic cameras. You can be prepared to try a different route if there is a traffic bottleneck.
- Choose the less-traveled route. Back roads can be significantly less congested (not to mention more scenic), saving you the aggravation of stop-and-go traffic, even though freeways could be the most direct option.
- Rush hour is more than just a nickname. Morning and afternoon traffic jams continue for several hours, but they are still named “rush hour” for a reason: everyone is on the road and in a hurry to go somewhere. If you can avoid rush hour traffic, then do so. Think of it like driving during a bad thunderstorm – if you can steer clear of it, then do so.
- Do not break the law. You may have traveled 30 feet in 30 minutes and now you notice people utilizing the shoulders as lanes. This is not only risky, but it is also against the law. Stay your course, and save yourself the money of a ticket.
- Keep an eye out for debris and avoid it. If possible, avoid running over debris in a work zone. Flat tires and blowouts may be caused by scrap metal or nails. As soon as you see a sign that reads “work zone ahead,” you should begin to slow down. Do not wait until you reach the zone to slam on your brakes.
- Remember the most crucial work zone rule: Fines double in these areas!
- Even if you travel the same route on a regular basis and know the time to the minute, a crash or roadwork may cause unanticipated delays. Always allow yourself a little extra time. If you know your drive will take 15 minutes, allow yourself 25-30 minutes to be safe.
If your teen driver has been involved in a traffic accident due to another driver’s carelessness, our Tampa Car Crash Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us today at 813-221-3200 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.