If You’re Driving…

If you’re driving on Walt Disney World property, please use extra caution. I can’t tell you how many accidents I’ve driven by. Often these are caused by people who were not paying attention while behind the wheel. I want a picture of the Galaxy’s Edge bus as much as the next person, but I’m not going to take it if I’m driving! Unfortunately, I see people doing similar things almost every time I’m at Walt Disney World.

There is no magical bubble of safety over Walt Disney World. Things can and do happen. I don’t understand why drivers think that they can snap pictures out the side window while they are in a moving vehicle, or why it’s more important to FaceTime with a friend than to watch the road.

The Walt Disney World roads are a maze. While there are a couple of main roads, there are also plenty of side roads. Most exits are well marked, but things can and will sneak up on you. There are still a few turns that get me sometimes, and I’ve lived here for years. All too often someone will realize that they are in the wrong lane, and cut over in front of other vehicles to avoid missing their turn. It’s not only annoying to be cut off like that, it’s dangerous.

I also often see drivers who will sit in a straight lane at a light, blocking traffic, because they did not realize that they needed to turn. If you find yourself in that situation, go to the next intersection and make a U-turn. Don’t block traffic because you didn’t know that your turn came up so quickly.

Another thing that you need to keep an eye open for is pedestrians. Orlando is one of the worst areas in the country for pedestrian deaths, and that is a statistic that I would like to see changed. Pedestrians in the crosswalk have the right of way unless they have a “don’t walk” light. There are some local intersections where pedestrians have a walk light and there is still a green turning light. (I don’t know whose brilliant idea that was!) On Disney property there is usually a “no turn on red” sign if the pedestrians have a walk light, but be careful anyway.

If you’re coming onto Walt Disney World property it is tempting to stop and take a picture by the Walt Disney World entrance. People all the time ignore the “no stopping” signs and stop anyway. You’re not allowed to stop there for your safety. Getting that picture is not worth risking your life, or the lives of your loved ones.

Car headlights and taillights are also a problem at Walt Disney World. People forget to turn on their lights because they are not used to their rental car. Make a habit of double checking, just to be on the safe side. Learn where the light controls are before you leave the rental car agency’s parking lot so you won’t be fumbling to find them once the sun goes down. Do the same thing with the windshield wiper controls. We get a lot of rain in the Sunshine State.

One final thought about driving on Walt Disney World property. The speed limit is the law, not a suggestion. It’s better to get somewhere a little bit late because you drove the speed limit than to not get there at all.