If you find yourself driving in heavy traffic, such as during rush hour, it’s critical to adjust your style with an eye toward safety.
Rush hour driving is unique in many ways, including the fact that you’re among a sea of vehicles that are moving at a slow rate of speed. To make things even more challenging, many drivers are in a hurry to reach their destination, thus leading them to take risks on the road.
Here are some rush hour driving tips you can follow to enhance your safety:
- Take your time: Don’t be one of those people who is in a hurry. Instead, give yourself extra time to reach your destination, as it will take a lot of pressure off of you when behind the wheel.
- Choose another route: If your usual route is full of traffic and danger, choose another way to reach your destination. Even if it takes longer, it may be a more calm and comfortable ride.
- Stay in your lane: There are times when you need to change lanes, such as to make your way to an exit. However, you should break the habit of changing lanes in search of the one that’s moving fastest.
- Increase your following distance: Just because you’re driving slowly doesn’t mean you should follow the vehicle in front of yours too closely. Leaving a couple extra car lengths gives you room to spare should you have to brake in a hurry.
- Avoid distractions: Rush hour traffic has a way of leading to distractions, such as texting or talking on the phone, drinking or eating. If you’re not paying full attention to the road, you’re increasing the risk of an accident.
If rush hour driving is a part of your day, follow these tips for avoiding trouble on the road.
In the event of an accident, such as one in which another vehicle strikes you from behind, move to safety and call 911. Wait for police and an ambulance to arrive before you do anything else.
As your health allows, file an insurance claim, review the police report and decide on the steps you can take to obtain compensation from the negligent driver.
Visit our website and read our blog for additional information pertaining to motor vehicle accidents in North Carolina.