The Cuban TikTok user @danycblike_10 shared a video in which she describes the differences she has noticed in traffic between Spain and the United States after moving to Miami. Her post, which lasts over three minutes, has sparked multiple reactions on social media.
"Things that struck me when I moved from Spain to the United States, specifically to Miami, regarding traffic," the young woman begins, who previously lived in Spain.
Among the aspects he mentions, he highlights the difficulty for pedestrians in certain areas of the city: “There are areas where there are almost no pedestrian pathways, and there are areas that do, like downtown and some others, but there are other areas that don’t, and when you have to walk, it feels like you have to take a huge detour. Basically, pedestrians here have it very tough.”
He also commented on the lack of courtesy when crossing: "In Spain, people would always stop when there was a crosswalk. Here, you have to be very careful and look in all directions, because there are times when you might get run over, even by the little electric bicycles."
Regarding his experience, he recounted: "Once, crossing from one square to another... I left the car, and I almost got run over; it was such a terrible experience."
Among the traffic customs that surprised him the most, he mentioned turning right 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 comes, then you can turn right. That is not normally done in Spain," he explained.
He also noted the difference in road infrastructure: "There aren't many roundabouts here. In Spain, I saw many more roundabouts... Here, you’ll see few roundabouts; there are many stop signs."
The Cuban described Miami's traffic as chaotic. "Normally... in Spain during rush hours, well, it's normal, yes, there was traffic. Here it's almost always, and if it rains, then it's worse. Sometimes it has taken me an hour and a half, almost two hours to get there."
Finally, he reflected on the car culture: “People live a lot for their car. In Spain... people are quite loyal to their car. And here, people tend to change cars frequently... you see many new cars, many large cars, cars that are just too massive.” He was also struck by the freedom to customize vehicles: “Here, they put on these huge tires... In Spain, they check your car, and if there are things you can't have, they tell you.”
The post by @danycblike_10 sparked dozens of comments with divided opinions. Some users agreed with his perception of the traffic chaos in Miami, while others defended cultural differences.
One person replied, “In Spain, I observed the great traffic education very well; even children stop for the red light on their own, and even if no cars are coming, they don’t cross.” Another person commented, “Miami is a lawless city; everyone drives like they’re flying because jobs are far apart.”
There was also a discussion about the necessity of having a car in the United States and the ease of acquiring one, in comparison to Europe. Others pointed out that in Spain, vehicle inspections are more stringent, whereas in Miami, there is greater freedom to make modifications.
@danycblike_10 had already sparked debate before by comparing everyday aspects between both countries, such as the use of dryers, public transportation, and work schedules in another viral video where she spoke about her arrival in Miami.
Her experience adds to that of other Cuban women who have expressed frustration over traffic. One of them recorded her desperation from the Palmetto highway saying “I feel insulted, I just want to go home”, while another went on to exclaim that she was “about to take a bus or train to see if I can get there quicker” after being stuck in traffic for over an hour.
Other content creators have also described driving conditions as extreme. The Cuban @yandrygarciavlog stated that “driving in Miami is a high-risk sport”, while the Spaniard @ramonteli called it one of the worst places to drive and questioned “who gave this person their license”, referring to the alleged low standards for obtaining driving permits.
A recent report ranked Miami as the eighth most congested city in the United States, with an average of 74 hours lost annually in traffic per driver. This figure exceeded 100 hours in previous years, according to reports from INRIX, highlighting a structural problem in mobility in South Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic in Miami and the Experiences of Cuban Migrants
Why is traffic in Miami considered chaotic?
Traffic in Miami is considered chaotic due to constant congestion, especially during rush hours and when it rains, which can make commutes extremely lengthy. Additionally, the lack of adequate infrastructure for pedestrians and the car culture exacerbate the situation.
What are the most notable differences between traffic in Spain and Miami?
The most notable differences are the lack of courtesy towards pedestrians in Miami, where it is common to turn right at a red light after coming to a stop, something that is not practiced in Spain. In Miami, the road infrastructure includes more four-way stops and fewer roundabouts, unlike Spain, where roundabouts are more common.
How does car culture affect life in Miami?
The car culture in Miami significantly affects daily life, as driving is practically necessary due to the deficiencies in public transportation. This is reflected in a high number of new and large vehicles, as well as the freedom to customize cars without the restrictions found in other countries like Spain.
Why do some Cubans prefer to live in Spain instead of the United States?
Some Cubans prefer to live in Spain due to the perception of a better quality of life, despite lower incomes. In Spain, they value peace of mind, the efficiency of public transport, and lower economic pressure, in contrast to the more stressful and expensive life in the United States.
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