BOCA RATON, Fla. — In just a few weeks, Super Bowl LIV festivities will take over South Florida. But did you know the most dangerous hour for drivers is the hour after the big game? That’s according to a study that looked at 27 years worth of car crash data.
The University of Toronto studied crash data for 27 Super Bowl Sundays between 1975 and 2001, and looked at an average Sunday compared to the Sunday of the big game.
The study found that crash fatalities increased by 41 percent after the Super Bowl, and the most dangerous time to drive was the hour immediately following the end of the game.
"You put together people who are not from the city, who are visiting, you put together alcohol, texting, and driving, and it’s a recipe for disaster," said Gregory Ward, accident attorney for The Ward Law Group in Miami.
Ward also said drivers should be alert in the days before and after the Super Bowl.
"They didn’t research, in which I think the research would show that there are crashes before and after the game for many days," said Ward.
In Boca Raton, Uber driver David Hall is looking forward to driving in Miami the night of the big game, because it means big bucks.
"There’s nothing like a Super Bowl coming to Miami," said Hall. "Uber sets up what’s called a surge where you can make double, triple, or quadruple the amount of money for the same amount of distance cause it’s a supply and demand ratio."
If you’re looking for a car-free option altogether, Brightline is offering packages to get people down south via high-speed train. Big Game Survival Kit packages start off at $135 and include 10 one-way rides.
Another option is Tri-Rail train service, which runs through Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties.
Hall is happy to provide a safe ride for passengers, but he also has to stay safe on the road.
"I’ll l just be more alert, both hands on the wheel 10 and 2, and I might have an extra cup of coffee to keep me alert that day," Hall said.
Ward also said if you do get into a car crash, if you can, safely take pictures of the damage. He also said to be mindful that in Florida you have 14 days after the crash to seek medical attention before you waive some rights on your personal injury protection insurance coverage.