Snowbirds Increase Risk of Spring Hill Car Accidents in 2016

The Danish endure a phenomenon what they call Sort Sol, or Black Sun. This occurs twice a year in which 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, as a driver, can become affected in more ways than one.

Snowbirds and Tourism

As the seasons change from Fall to Winter, it's obvious that 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 more space on the road as they do so. Parking is more difficult, and your patience levels will be tested as the children in the car moan and groan the famous, "Are we there yet?"

No Errand is "Safe"

Everyone's got the same idea: all you want to do is buy eggs and milk, yet the entire line of people crowding the store is preventing that from happening.

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 Dominated

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 risk for 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, 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 a Spring Hill car accident involving snowbirds or for any other accident-related reason, contact Lowman Law.

This post was originally published in January 2013 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.