Driving Safely Bumper-to-Bumper
No matter where in America you live, it is likely that you have been frustrated by bumper-to-bumper traffic. Whether it’s the daily rush hour commute, a traffic accident, or road construction, backed-up traffic is maddening. But like many of the events experienced in life, it is how you respond to a challenge that affects the outcome.
A study by Nationwide shows that the “average commuter spends 34 hours per year stuck in traffic.” As such, knowing how to drive safely when the traffic is heavy will help a great deal.
Safety Tips for Dealing with Heavy Traffic
Don’t blindly change lanes –
Changing lanes in heavy traffic means taking extra time. Because of the abundance of vehicles, it can be easy to miss something in your blind spot. Be sure that you use your turn signals well in advance, so you can minimize the risk of causing an accident – and perhaps making heavy traffic, completely stopped!
Watch the people around you –
Even if you are doing your part to use your signals, this doesn’t mean everyone else is. Pay attention to brake lights- not just directly in front of you but a few cars ahead as well as to your left and right. In addition, while traffic may be heavy, endeavor to keep at least a car length between you and the person in front of you so you have some space if you must slam on the brakes.
Keep your vehicle road ready-
For safety, be sure your vehicle’s tires, brakes, signals, etc. are fully operational, and that fluids are topped off properly. This way, you don’t need to be concerned about skidding due to bad brakes or worn tires. Also, sitting in traffic with the fluids low can result in overheating the engine forcing you to need to move to the side of the road, or blocking the lane you are driving in. Cardey4Ever Oil has AMSOIL products such as brake fluid, oil, and other items designed to keep your car running at peak performance.
Minimize/eliminate distractions –
Traffic may be nearly stopped but this is not the time to grab something from the back or passenger’s seat, send/read a text, or clean the console. It only takes a second to crash into the vehicle in front of you. Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind on the task.
Stay cool-
It is easy to get agitated when dealing with heavy traffic. Do your part and stay cool and calm. Getting mad at the situation only causes your stress level to increase. Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, laying on the horn, making angry gestures, and yelling won’t solve anything. If you know that sitting in traffic is part of your commute, plan accordingly. Leave a little earlier, listen to a podcast or audiobook, and find a radio station that helps you stay calm- whatever it is that helps you stay focused but relaxed.
Dealing with bumper-to-bumper traffic is no one’s idea of pleasure, but don’t make it more frustrating than necessary. Take care of your car and pay attention to the drivers and roads around you so you can arrive at your destination safely.
