A Cuban TikTok user, @danycblike_10, recently posted a video highlighting the stark differences she has observed between the traffic in Spain and the United States after relocating to Miami. Her video, which spans over three minutes, has sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms.
In her post, titled "Things that shocked me when I moved from Spain to the United States, specifically Miami, regarding traffic," the young woman, who previously lived in Spain, outlines the challenges faced by pedestrians in certain areas of the city. "There are places where there are almost no pedestrian paths, and some areas, like downtown, have them, but others don't. When you have to walk, it feels like you have to take a massive detour. It's tough for pedestrians here," she explained.
She also commented on the lack of courtesy when crossing streets: "In Spain, people would always stop at pedestrian crossings. Here, you have to be very careful and look in all directions because sometimes, if they're not careful, they might run you over, even the little electric bikes."
Sharing a personal experience, she recounted, "Once, while crossing from one plaza to another, I had parked my car, and they almost ran me over. It was a terrible experience."
Among the traffic habits that surprised her the most was the right turn on red. "Another thing I had to get used to here is turning right on red. You have to stop, and if you see nothing's coming, you can turn right. That's not usually done in Spain," she clarified.
She also pointed out the difference in road infrastructure: "Here, there aren't many roundabouts. In Spain, I saw more roundabouts... Here you'll see few roundabouts, but lots of four-way stops."
Challenges of Miami Traffic
The Cuban described Miami's traffic as chaotic. "Normally, in Spain, during rush hours, yes, there was traffic. But here, it's almost always, and if it rains, it's even worse. Sometimes it's taken me an hour and a half, almost two hours, to get somewhere."
Reflecting on car culture, she noted, "People here live for their cars. In Spain, people are quite loyal to their cars. Here, people change cars frequently... you'll see many new cars, large cars, excessively huge vehicles." She also noticed the freedom to customize cars: "Here they put these massive wheels... In Spain, they inspect your car, and there are things you can't have."
The post by @danycblike_10 sparked numerous comments with varying opinions. Some users agreed with her perception of Miami's traffic chaos, while others defended cultural differences. One person remarked, "In Spain, I noticed the great road education, even children stop at red lights and don't cross even if no cars are coming." Another commented, "Miami is a city without rules; everyone is speeding because jobs are far away."
Others discussed the necessity of owning a car in the U.S. and the ease of acquiring one compared to Europe. Some pointed out that vehicle inspections in Spain are stricter, while in Miami, there's more freedom for modifications.
@danycblike_10 had previously stirred debate by comparing everyday aspects between the two countries, such as the use of dryers, public transportation, and work schedules in another viral video about her arrival in Miami.
Her experiences echo those of other Cuban women who have expressed frustration with traffic. One recorded her frustration from the Palmetto Expressway, exclaiming, "I'm so insulted, I just want to get home," while another considered taking buses or trains to see if she'd arrive faster after being stuck for over an hour.
Other content creators have also described the traffic as extreme. Cuban @yandrygarciavlog stated, "Driving in Miami is an extreme sport," while Spanish @ramonteli called it one of the worst places to drive, questioning, "Who gave this person a license?" reflecting on the allegedly low standards for obtaining a driver's license.
A recent report ranked Miami as the eighth most congested city in the United States, with drivers losing an average of 74 hours annually in traffic jams. This figure has exceeded 100 hours in previous years, according to INRIX reports, highlighting a structural issue in South Florida's mobility.
Understanding Miami's Traffic and Cultural Differences
Why is Miami's traffic considered chaotic?
Miami's traffic is often described as chaotic due to frequent congestion, especially during peak hours and adverse weather conditions, leading to long travel times.
What are some cultural differences in traffic behavior between Spain and the U.S.?
In Spain, drivers often adhere to stricter pedestrian right-of-way rules, whereas in the U.S., practices like turning right on red and frequent car changes are more common.
How does Miami compare to other U.S. cities in terms of traffic congestion?
Miami ranks as one of the most congested cities in the U.S., with drivers losing significant time in traffic jams annually, reflecting broader issues in the area's mobility infrastructure.