Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, is a lively college town with plenty of energy, tradition, and, let’s be honest, a lot of traffic. Between packed game days at The Swamp, late-night food runs, scooter rides to class, and rideshare pickups outside midtown bars, Gainesville roads see it all. And while that buzz is part of what makes UF life exciting, it also creates real risks for car accidents, especially involving students.
If you’re a UF student (or the parent of one), here’s what you should know about driving and staying safe on the roads in and around Gainesville.
Why Gainesville Roads Are Riskier Than You Think
Living in a college town is a unique experience. But the driving conditions? They can be chaotic. Here’s why:
1. Heavy Pedestrian Traffic
Whether it’s students heading to class, fans walking to the stadium, or people crossing University Avenue without looking up from their phones, foot traffic in Gainesville is non-stop. Even at low speeds, one distracted moment can turn into a serious accident.
2. Scooters, Bikes, and Skateboards, Oh My
Personal transportation devices are everywhere. While they’re convenient, they often zig-zag through traffic, skip stop signs, or pop up unexpectedly in crosswalks. Car vs. scooter collisions are more common than you’d think and they can result in significant injuries, even at low impact.
3. Late-Night and Weekend Driving
Between nightlife, food delivery gigs, and early morning study sessions, students are often driving (or being driven) during off-hours. That means an increased risk of accidents due to drowsy or impaired driving, not to mention more confusion in poorly lit areas.
4. Game Day Madness
When it’s football season, Gainesville transforms. Traffic congestion, out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with the area, street closures, and increased pedestrian activity make game days particularly hazardous for both drivers and pedestrians.
Common Accident Scenarios for UF Students
Here are a few real-world accident scenarios that happen frequently in college towns like Gainesville:
Rideshare Accidents: Students getting into Uber or Lyft rides late at night may be involved in accidents, either as passengers or when being dropped off/picked up in risky areas.
Distracted Driving: Whether it’s texting a friend, checking a GPS, or scrolling Spotify, distracted driving is one of the top causes of accidents among college-age drivers.
Scooter or Bike Collisions: Many students rent scooters or ride bikes to class. Accidents often occur when drivers don’t see them in time or when riders violate traffic rules.
Rear-End Collisions: These are common near intersections, especially when students are unfamiliar with Gainesville’s traffic flow or make sudden stops for pedestrians.
Parking Lot Accidents: With high vehicle and foot traffic in tight lots (hello, campus parking), fender benders and side-swipes happen more than most expect.
What Students Should Do After an Accident
Whether you’re driving, a passenger, or even riding a scooter, here are the key steps to take if you’re involved in an accident:
1. Prioritize Safety First
If possible, move to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away.
2. Call the Police
Even for minor fender benders, it’s smart to have a police report. It can be helpful later if there’s a dispute with insurance or questions about who was at fault.
3. Document Everything
Take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any injuries. Exchange information with the other party (including their driver’s license, insurance, and plate number) and get contact info from any witnesses.
4. Notify Your Parents
It might feel awkward, but parents can be a huge help especially if you’re hurt or need to make decisions about medical care, insurance claims, or legal steps. A quick text saying, “I’m okay, but I was in an accident,” goes a long way.
5. Don’t Assume Insurance Will Handle Everything
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly, especially with student drivers. But if you’re injured, your car is totaled, or liability is unclear, it’s worth getting legal guidance before signing anything.
How Parents Can Help from a Distance
Parents, even if you’re hundreds of miles away, you can still play a crucial role:
Encourage Your Student to Seek Medical Attention
Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, don’t show symptoms right away. It’s better to get checked out than to wait.
Help With Insurance and Documentation
You can assist in contacting your student’s insurance company, organizing medical records, or even researching local resources if your student is overwhelmed.
Consider Legal Support
If your student is seriously injured or facing a complicated insurance process, a personal injury attorney with experience in Gainesville can help. Many offer free consultations and won’t charge unless they win the case.
A Final Important Reminder
Not every accident wraps up neatly with a quick insurance check and a few calls. Sometimes, injuries worsen over time. Sometimes, fault is disputed. And sometimes, insurance doesn’t cover everything.
If your student is injured in an accident, whether they were behind the wheel, riding a scooter, or just walking across the street, it’s important to understand all the options. Medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and long-term care can add up fast.
Call Glassman and Zissimopulos and our team of dedicated attorneys today. (352) 505-4515 or Toll-Free at (844) 787-2543. When you call, you will be able to speak with a lawyer. This is our commitment to you.