Miami Traffic
Traffic in Miami is best summed up by the numerous billboards for automobile accident attorneys. For the sunshine state, it seems as if everyone is in a rush to get somewhere else. I use Uber to get around Miami as I’m not sure I have the reflexes required for this traffic. Los Angeles and San Francisco have bad traffic, but it is predictable. In these cities, turn signals are used to indicate where you are going right now, rather than where you intend to go. New York has terrible traffic, but again it is predictable and is dominated by taxis and for-hire drivers. There is an understanding of how to drive in these metropolises. Miami is different. This is why I find Uber rides to be both fascinating and terrifying.
When taking an Uber in Miami, a little Spanish goes a long way. The chances of an Uber driver being fluent in English is about the same as the chances the Uber driver will consistently use a turn signal.
Traffic is always congested. The city is dominated by waterways and massive buildings, providing for frequent choke points. Add to this massive freeways that lead to increased congestion and there are bound to be problems. But Miami still manages to be unique. Drivers take up the full roadway, whether there are lanes or not doesn’t seem to matter. Freeway exit lanes are also for passing on the right. Brakes are used extensively for lane changes – why would you not use something available on your car? The approach seems to be to change lanes and brake just before hitting the car in front.
A good Uber driver has this traffic down to a science. They can quickly change lanes, moving across three or four lanes of traffic in the space I would normally take for a single lane change. Weaving through traffic is expected. One Uber driver was so good that we were keeping up with police who were responding to an emergency nearby. I think this guy has potential in law enforcement.
In the event an Uber driver does get into an accident, there are attorneys for Uber riders as well, as yet another billboard proclaims.
This is why I prefer water taxis. Water taxis may take longer. They come with other perks, including a chance of seeing dolphins along the way. Around the Boat Show, they also have manatee observers on board so we can avoid the sea cows. What could be better?
