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Even the most recent South Florida transplants can tell you driving here anytime of year is a perilous game of Russian roulette. You could be forced to dodge our street chickens, maimed by a Brightline train, or struck by a streamer’s exotic car. However, a new ranking from insurer Allstate suggests that winter may be the least merry time to drive in South Florida, with residents of two Miami-area cities ranking among the ten worst winter drivers in the U.S.
The company notes the winter holiday season typically brings some of the most dangerous driving conditions nationwide, caused by icy conditions in colder climates and warm-weather states seeing an influx of out-of-state drivers. That’s why the top ten list, which includes Hialeah and Pembroke Pines, plus three other Florida cities, is full of locales on the northern and southern fringes of the U.S.
Allstate looked at the top 200 metros in the U.S., comparing claims data, trip patterns, and roadside service events to determine which cities have the worst winter drivers.
Cities with the Worst Winter Drivers:
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1. Madison, Wisconsin
2. Anchorage, Alaska
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
4. Gainesville, Florida
5. Tallahassee, Florida
6. Hialeah, Florida
7. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
8. Jersey City, New Jersey
9. St. Petersburg, Florida
10. Pembroke Pines, Florida
Screenshot via Instagram/@onlyindade
According to the study, worrisome winter driving is largely attributed to out-of-state drivers from warm-weather states. Six of the top ten cities were in warm-weather states that see little to no snow annually.
“A surge in out-of-state drivers can lead to unfamiliar routes, heavier congestion and higher crash risk, making planning and caution essential for holiday travel,” the study notes.
The study also highlighted some data-driven tips for motorists: Phone usage among drivers is the worst on New Year’s Eve; speeding jumps the weekend before Christmas (many drivers go more than 15 mph over the limit); and hard braking peaks midday on Christmas Eve (as last-minute shoppers scurry through the streets).
With December 26th being the single busiest day of the year for roadside events, it’s also crucial for motorists to check their car for any issues heading into the last week of the year.
“Cold weather can turn minor issues into major problems,” Allstate safety expert Brian Tidwell said in the study. “Check your battery, inspect your tires, top off fluids, keep your gas tank at least half full, and pack an emergency kit – a little preparation now can help you avoid big headaches later.”
