Personal Injury Blog



Fotolia 46996387 XSThe Danish endure a phenomenon what they call Sort Sol, or Black Sun. In this twice-a-year occurrence, starlings flock together in numbers reaching over a million, blocking the sunset and suffocating the Danish sky. This isn’t so different from the Floridian influx of snowbirds that flock every winter. The Sunshine State becomes its own Sort Sol for the winter months, and you can become affected in more ways than one.

The “Not-So-Happiest” Place on Earth

As the seasons change from Fall to Winter, an obvious statement is personified: attractions attract. The initial attraction for the snowbirds is tourism. Whether it’s taking a tour of a haunted house, riding the tallest roller coaster, or visiting a famous rodent and his friends, one thing is guaranteed: people want to be entertained. In search of that entertainment, people will travel from all over the country, taking up space as they do so. The “Wait Time” screen for your favorite ride now reads 90 minutes, and that lemonade you’re parched for is five people away in line. With all of the extra people taking up space, the most adrenaline you will get is the thrill of – finally! – being next in line for that lemonade you have earned.

Not Even the Errands Are Safe

Just when you thought Christmas shopping couldn’t get any worse, your neighbor’s children decide they want to shop for their children. This wouldn’t be much of a problem except your neighbor’s neighbor’s children have the same idea. You now have not only the entire gated community preparing for the holidays, but their children and grandchildren as well. All you want to do is buy those eggs, milk, and gingerbread, and the entire line in front of you has unanimously decided to buy everything in the store. Even the gas station has a three car line at every pump! It’s easy to get flustered when your daily needs are suffocated by dozens of families not unlike the Griswolds.

When Rush Hour Becomes Snowbird Hour

All you want to do is go to work, but those snowbirds seem to find you everywhere until it seems that not even your morning commute is safe. After a long day’s work, the last thing you want to worry about is extra traffic, or the threat of a car accident.

With all of these frustrations piling in the back of your mind, it becomes easy to get distracted while driving. With more people come more car accidents, and snowbird season is the most accident-prone season. Keep these tips in mind next time you’re on the road amidst the swarm of Northerners:

  • Avoid road rage at all costs. While snowbirds may be frustrating for the duration of their stay, remember that they don’t always know the specific state rules of the road. Plus that theme park allure may be all that’s on their mind.

  • Keep track of your speed. Driving the speed limit means more time to prepare for the snowbird who may not be looking at their speedometer.

  • Make sure you’re not tailgating. Imagine an invisible car between yourself and the car ahead. If the invisible car can’t fit, then you’re driving too close. If they come to a sudden stop, be prepared to stop too.

  • Save the alcohol for a safe environment. Your car is not a safe environment when you are inebriated.

  • And as for what you have heard time and time again, buckle up! A seatbelt really could make a difference when encountering the traffic of a confused snowbird.

So keep calm and stay on the road, and mentally prepare yourself: while the holiday season may be over, it is almost time for the sunbirds to flock in. If you find yourself in an accident involving snowbirds or for any other reason, contact Lowman Law.

20 Questions CTA Banner

Leave A Comment