A bustling metropolis close to spectacular beaches and rolling waves, West Palm Beach is a fantastic place to live, work, and visit. Of course, a busy city so close to stunning natural surroundings is bound to experience a high volume of traffic.
In fact, 41.7% of Palm Beach residents cited traffic congestion as their major transport concern in the area. Due to this, its important to take care when youre using the roads in and around the area. To stay safe and speed up your journey times, take a look at these four things you need to know when driving in West Palm Beach, FL:
1. Steer Clear of Dangerous Junctions
As you might expect, some junctions in West Palm Beach are notoriously difficult to navigate, particularly during heavy traffic. In suburban West Palm Beach, the junction at North Military Trail and Okeechobee Boulevard is commonly cited as being one of the most dangerous in the vicinity. Similarly, junctions at North Congress Avenue and 45th Street, North Robbins Drive and Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Wabasso Drive/Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, and Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard and Spencer Drive/Village Boulevard are reported to be amongst the most dangerous in the entire county.
2. Pedestrians Are Vulnerable
The vast majority of people travel by car in West Palm Beach, but the heavy traffic means that pedestrians are especially vulnerable. Between 2010-2019, 1,675 pedestrians were killed in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach area, making the region 13th in the country on the Pedestrian Danger Index (PDI). Whether youre behind the wheel or on the sidewalk, pay extra attention and remember that pedestrians are typically the most vulnerable if a collision occurs.
3. Accidents Arent Uncommon in West Palm Beach, FL
Sadly, road traffic accidents occur frequently in the U.S. and theyre not uncommon in West Palm Beach. In 2019, there were 26,284 traffic accidents in Palm Beach County, with 16,792 people sustaining injuries. While these figures dropped slightly in 2020 due to the reduction in traffic caused by COVID-19, a significant number of people were still injured on the roads that year. In 2020, 22,099 Palm Beach County car accidents left 12,842 people struggling with serious injuries.
While you cant always avoid a collision, you can be prepared. From stocking your car with an emergency kit to knowing which West Palm Beach car accident attorney to call, there are many steps you can take to ensure youre able to respond effectively if you were hurt in a crash. If you are eligible to file a car accident claim, hiring a lawyer can help you maximize your compensation.
4. Weather Conditions Affect Driver Behavior
Alternating between glorious sunshine and heavy rain, Floridians need to be ready for a variety of weather conditions when they get behind the wheel. When road surfaces are slick with rainwater, it can cause an increase in accidents due to hydroplaning. Keeping your vehicle well-maintained, checking the tires regularly and reducing your speed can help to prevent this from affecting your journey.
Staying Safe in West Palm Beach, FL
When you get to know an area well, you can feel more comfortable on the road. However, dont let complacency increase the risk of a car accident occurring. By staying alert, identifying potential risks, and taking steps to reduce the likelihood of a collision, you can do your bit to help everyone stay safe in West Palm Beach.