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October 23, 2013
- Car Accidents
Avoiding Accidents in Heavy Traffic
For many, daily driving in heavy traffic is an unavoidable occurrence. Traffic congestion is a condition on road networks that occurs as use increases, and is characterized by slower speeds, longer trip times, closer proximity to other vehicles and more danger. According to the United States Department of Transportation, the United States ranks highest in the world in per capita vehicle ownership at ninety one percent. The United States’ citizen travels an average of 36 miles per day and daily commutes into cities account for over one-quarter of daily travel in miles for Americans. As there is generally no way to avoid these commutes in traffic, drivers need to take extra steps to ensure their own safety to avoid automobile accidents as well as the safety of others.
Follow some simple tips to increase your patience on the roads and avoid those accidents:
- Slow down. Do not try to reach your destination in record time. Not only is it safer, but you will save money on gas and on speeding tickets!
- Keep plenty of distance between your car and the car in front of you. Stop and go traffic requires constant vigilance or before you know it, you’re in a fender bender accident.
- Be extra alert. Be defensive. Do not become frustrated in heavy traffic so you don’t create an accident with any rash driving decisions.
- Be aware of your surroundings so you can make a maneuver to avoid a car accident.
- If you feel yourself becoming agitated on a highway, take an exit. Be 100% calm and collected. If you think you’re frustrated now, imagine waiting for accident reconstruction.
To reiterate, driving recklessly in difficult traffic conditions is not worth it. According to the United States Center for Disease Control, in 2010, “the cost of medical care and productivity losses associated with motor vehicle accident injuries was over ninety nine billion dollars or nearly five hundred dollars for each licensed driver in the United States.” Heavy traffic spawns a higher likelihood for an accident. It is always worth it to take these extra safety precaution measures in order to save money and protect yourself and others.
