Common Dangers for
Snowbirds in Florida

  • Snowbirds are usually older Americans or Canadians who travel from colder northern areas during the winter to warmer southern states, such as Florida.

  • Typically, snowbirds begin traveling to Florida during October or November, and stay through April or May.

  • Navigating through unfamiliar places can be incredibly dangerous, especially for older people.

  • Snowbirds often travel long distances to stay in unfamiliar places.

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “involvement in fatal crashes, per mile traveled, begins increasing among drivers ages 70 - 74 and are highest among drivers ages 85 and older”.

    Snowbird Injury Statistics in Florida

  • When Snowbirds flock to Florida, the huge influx of vacationers create more congested roadways.

  • More congested roadways result in higher rates of car accidents, especially involving Snowbirds, who tend to be older and are less familiar with the area.

  • According to reports from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Florida roads see more accidents from November to December than they do during any other time of the year.

  • From November to January, a total of 63,185 collisions were reported.

  • “Age-related declines in vision and cognitive functioning (ability to reason and remember), as well as physical changes, might affect some older adults’ driving abilities,” according to the CDC.

How Can These Risks Be Prevented?

To reduce the risk of being involved in serious car accidents, Snowbirds traveling to Florida can:

  • Stay physically active.
  • Have their hearing and vision regularly tested.
  • Become familiar with the routes they will be taking ahead of time.
  • Refresh their driving skills by taking a driving course.
  • Avoid distractions behind the wheel.
  • Drive during daylight hours and avoid rush hour traffic.
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