Tourists Cause 12% Increase in Car Crashes in Florida

New research found a surge in auto injuries, accident fatalities, and car crashes in Florida during the tourist season in March. Using crash data collected by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on the number of crashes, injuries, and accident deaths that have occurred in Florida from 2018 to 2023, the research found March is the most dangerous month to drive in Florida.

“March is the month that Florida is flooded with college students who visit from out of state to celebrate their spring break from classes,” commented Jimmy Fasig, Attorney at Fasig Brooks Based on this information, it can be inferred that the influx of college students is what makes the roads more dangerous this time of year. March is also the last month before the snowbirds start to head back north, making for dangerous roads.

Another item found by the study was that many of the car crashes in Florida that happen in March also involve serious injuries and fatalities.

The research also found August is the safest month to drive in Florida, with the fewest accident-related injuries and deaths. Which makes complete sense. Vacationers have gone home, and the snowbirds are still waiting out the hurricane season.

The data supporting the study shows there were 36,280 crashes in March of 2023, with this month recording the highest amount of injuries compared to any other month. In comparison, for August 2023, there were 32,408 crashes. June and July of last year also saw a dip in car crashes in Florida. Again, when it's just us Florida residents, the roads are safer.

Driving has been a little easier this month than it has been. I've been able to leave work and get across to a turn lane so I can get home. Up until Hurricane Ian, it seemed that more and more of our seasonal residents were staying down here full time. After Ian, many of them are staying away until later in the fall. So - less car crashes in Florida in August. It makes sense.

And there's the other shoe to drop. People are flocking to Florida, and specifically - Southwest Florida. 20 years ago, Estero was the home to Miromar Outlets and Teco Arena, with a little college just to the north. Now it feels like we're becoming Miami. Still better than Tampa, though. I guess. Be safe everyone, and watch for school busses.

We are approaching the most active part of hurricane season, end of August into September. Even though the season has been underway since June 1st, it's time to once again assess your preparedness. To help out, these hurricane supplies are tax free again in Florida.

This weekend kicks off the second of two Disaster Preparedness sales tax holidays passed by state lawmakers. The idea is to give Floridians a break when stocking up on some basic supplies. The list of items included is extensive and may include things you don't typically think about when it comes to hurricane supplies.

I love that lawmakers not only consider things you might need for your personal safety during and immediately following a storm like flashlights and tarps. In addition, they consider things you might need if you are forced to evacuate with a beloved pet.

Keep in mind there are limits on spending in each category. If you are wanting to really stock up, you might need to be a little strategic. Shop a couple of times during the tax-free holiday. It runs through September 6th.

If you have questions about what is exempt or if for some reason a store did not honor a tax-free purchase, click here to get more info.

In the meantime, here are a few items to stock up on beginning Saturday, August 24th. Make your list and get your disaster kit ready. Officials are predicting the 2024 season is going to be an active and strong.

We've already seen lots of wind, rain and flooding this season. Being prepared is more than just stocking up on supplies. Click here for a comprehensive Southwest Florida Hurricane Guide. It's important to think in advance about some of things listed here.

When power goes out, batteries are essential for flashlights, radios and more. The sales tax is waved on AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6- volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries, with a sales price of $50 or less. It's a good time to grab a power pack or power bank at $60 or less.

Generators can be life savers, literally, in the days and weeks following a major storm. They help preserve food if the power goes out, help supply oxygen and other vital services. The sales tax is waved on generators costing up to $3000. Over that, you'll need to pay.

Tarps and similar waterproof sheeting is included. The price cap for these items is $100. In addition, sales tax is waved on items typically sold with tarps such as ground anchor or tie-down kits costing $100 or less.

Radios were crucial for communication and information following Hurricane Ian. Tax is waved on portable radios, two-way radios and weather-band radios. This does not mean you get to buy a new sound system tax free. Limits are $50 or less.

This covers lighting as far as flashlights, lanterns and candles. These light sources can be powered by solar, by battery or gas and must be $40 and under to qualify.

One of the things we learned from Hurricane Ian is the need for a few basic supplies such as bleach and laundry detergents. Also included in this section are items such as paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, soap, disinfectant, sanitizer, and sunscreen.

This includes coolers that are $60 and under as well as those reusable ice packs that come in at $20 or less. Experts advise keeping them on hand and full of ice when a storm is approaching.

This includes items you might need when evacuating with a pet. The list includes such thing as portable kennels or pet carries ($100 or less), pet beds ($40 or less), pet medications ($100 or less). In addition, you'll be able to purchase items such as leashes, collars, waste disposal bags, food and more, all with price caps.

This list includes items such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors all costing $70 or less. House fires a are common after the power gets reconnected.