For both visitors and residents alike, Florida holds a reputation for its congested roads and traffic jams. Navigating through the state’s highways can be a frustrating experience, particularly during certain times of the day when traffic tends to peak.
Understanding these peak times can help drivers avoid unnecessary delays and dangerous situations.
Morning rush hour
The morning rush hour in Florida typically occurs between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. as commuters head to work and students make their way to school. Major highways such as I-95, I-75 and I-4 experience heavy congestion during these hours. This leads to slow-moving traffic and increased travel times.
Evening rush hour
As the workday comes to a close, traffic congestion in Florida reaches its peak once again during the evening and night. Between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., roads become packed with vehicles as commuters head home and tourists return to their accommodations after a day of sightseeing. The National Safety Council warns that driving at night comes with the risk of compromised vision, fatigue and other factors that can make an accident more likely.
Weekend getaways
Weekends in Florida are synonymous with leisure and relaxation. Many residents and tourists are likely to hit the road for weekend getaways. Friday afternoons and evenings, as well as Sunday afternoons, are notorious for heavy traffic as travelers embark on road trips to popular destinations.
Navigating Florida streets, highways and byways can be challenging during peak travel times. Knowing what to expect and how to handle unique driving conditions can help motorists of any background avoid a catastrophic motor vehicle accident.
