Are you planning a visit or moving to Orlando? Best known for its theme parks and resorts, about 74 million tourists visited Orlando in 2023 alone. If you’re new to driving in the city, these tips can help reduce your risk of getting into an accident. However, consulting experienced car accident lawyers in Orlando can help you understand your rights and options if you ever find yourself in a collision.
#1. Distracted Driving Is a Leading Cause of Crashes in the Orlando Area
Distracted driving is responsible for one in seven accidents in Florida, and it’s particularly problematic in Orlando. Orlando roads are full of tourists who are unfamiliar with the area and may be distracted by a GPS device or trying to find a landmark or street name. Texting and driving are also problems despite Sunshine State law making them primary offenses.
Take the time to familiarize yourself with your route before you start driving. Have a passenger look out for landmarks if necessary so you can keep your eyes on the road. Be especially aware of other drivers who may be distracted, especially around the airport, downtown Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, and other tourist destinations.
#2. Orlando Crashes Peak at 9-10 PM and on Saturdays
In most major cities, traffic accidents tend to be higher on weekdays, peaking on Friday. The afternoon rush hour commute is usually the peak time for accidents.
Orlando has a different crash pattern due to its high number of tourists and resort destinations. In Orlando, more crashes happen on weekends, peaking on Saturday. The peak time for collisions is 9 pm to 10 pm. This is when theme parks are closing and throngs of tired guests are entering congested roads.
Keep this in mind so you can be extra vigilant during these times, especially if you’re driving near the parks.
#3. Be Aware of Accident Hot Spots
There are several hot spots for accidents in the Orlando area. Dangerous roads in Orlando with higher-than-average crash rates include:
- International Drive
- Interstate 4 (I-4)
- Orange Blossom Trail (U.S. Route 441)
- Kirkman Road (SR 435)
- John Young Parkway (SR 423)
- Apopka-Vineland Road (SR 535)
- Martin Anderson Beachline Expressway (SR 528)
- World Center Drive (SR 536)
Outside the city limits, International Drive is a common spot for crashes. This commercial area is home to the convention center and close to several theme parks.
#4. Watch for Pedestrians While Driving
Orlando ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. for pedestrian accidents. Major hot spots for pedestrian accidents include:
- Kirkman Road and Vineland Road near Universal Studios
- S Orange Blossom Trail & W Oak Ridge Road
- Sand Lake Road at John Young Parkway, a busy commercial area with several resorts
- International Drive & Universal Boulevard, home to several hotels along Orlando’s main tourist strip
While you should watch for pedestrians anywhere, be extra vigilant when driving in congested commercial and tourist areas. The NHTSA recommends slowing down and being ready to stop when entering a crosswalk and using extra caution in hard-to-see conditions.
Stop well before a crosswalk to ensure other drivers can see any pedestrians who are crossing. Don’t attempt to pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; there may be pedestrians out of view.
#5. Don’t Give In to Aggressive Driving
Orlando has been ranked one of the worst cities for aggressive driving. It may be easy to give in to frustration and exhaustion while stuck in traffic, but do your best to remain calm. Give yourself enough time to get to your destination, focus on maintaining a safe distance from other drivers, and pay attention to traffic.
Drive defensively by anticipating other drivers’ actions, and don’t engage with aggressive drivers.
These tips can help you enjoy your time in Orlando, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or making this beautiful city your new home.
Nicholas Norden is an Orlando personal injury lawyer at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law who has advocated for injured individuals in personal injury cases for over 13 years. Prior to representing accident victims, he worked on behalf of insurance companies and large corporations.
