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The winter of 2015 is turning out to be one of the worst winters on record. The statistics tell it all. In Boston alone, since January 1, the city has accumulated over 100 inches of snow. Other cities and states have also received record-breaking snow falls, according to the Weather Channel. The Ithaca, New York Convention and Visitors Bureau is saying, "Don't come here; Go to Florida".

Florida is a top vacation destination of travelers both domestic and international. With the "Winter of 2015" weather, more than 18 million residents, 15 million licensed drivers, 16 million registered vehicles and close to 98 million visitors a year, Florida’s roads can be some of the busiest in the country.  

Governor Rick Scott announced that 2014 was another record-breaking tourism year. A record 97.3 million visitors traveled to Florida in 2014, the fourth consecutive record year, according to preliminary estimates by Visit Florida, the state's official tourism marketing corporation. Visit Florida estimates that 11.5 million overseas visitors and 3.8 million Canadians came to Florida in 2014, both of which are record highs and represent 2.6 percent and 2.4 percent increases over 2013, respectively.

With the increased tourist traffic, Florida’s roadways experience congestion. Congestion is relatively easy to recognize everywhere one looks. Roads filled with cars, trucks, motorcycles and buses. The normal "free flow" speeds may no longer be maintained because of the excess number of vehicles on the road. Traffic may often become "stop and go".  

We have all been on a vacation or driven in an unfamiliar place. Exciting sights may catch a driver's eye and slow driving as the driver tries to take everything in.  The other issue for many tourists is that, even if they want to drive at the appropriate speed, they may simply not familiar with the traffic patterns or legal limits of the area.

Although the slower one drives, the more time there is to react to unanticipated events and hazards, if slow driving occurs where higher speeds are expected by way of posted speed limit signs, there quickly may be traffic slowdowns, delays, obstructions, risk-taking by other motorists, and road rage. Driving either too slow or too fast are both potential recipes for accidents.  

How is slow driving dangerous?

Chain reaction braking

Slow drivers, those driving below the speed limit, may cause chain reactions where every other vehicle on the road behind the slow drivers will then have to brake suddenly. This may cause pile-ups, rear-ending incidents and lead to road rage. Some drivers experiencing road rage take risky chances, make dangerous maneuvers, or else have been  known to actually get out of their vehicles to physically assault other drivers.

Confused traffic flow

Drivers going below the speed limit in any lane can cause confusion to other drivers about whether or not they should also be cautious. They may wonder if there are issues, or if there are conditions, they have not yet discovered. This may be particularly problematic if slow drivers are in the left lanes.

"It is important that drivers remain calm and patient during this very busy tourist season. Getting upset will only make the situation worse. Being involved in a vehicle accident, whether it be car, truck, or motorcycle can be confusing and complicated. Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. has the experience to help victims of serious accidents," said Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.