It’s that time of year again. The holidays are just around the corner, the weather is changing, and the traffic is heavier than the usual heavy traffic we face every day.
AAA reports that the holiday season, especially Thanksgiving time, sees the worst of traffic jams. This year almost 50 million drivers are planning to be out on the road during Thanksgiving week.
Among the holidays, comes the poor driving weather condition, which are also notorious for causing jams in large city or metropolitan areas across the U.S. Weather experts explain that the reduction of visibility and road traction is what puts the brakes on the regular traffic flow.
But drivers should drive more cautiously during poor conditions. The Federal Highway Administration also points out that car related weather fatalities occur almost 5,00 times a year.
So, when the traffic flow gets hairy at any time, here are a couple valuable tips and “Dos & Don’ts” about battling through heavy traffic jams. Learn how to drive safely, prevent fender benders and deal with the heaviest of jams.
Never Assert Yourself
Asserting yourself or letting “road rage” take you over is sure enough going to cause yourself harm and could get you in trouble with authorities. McAllen car accident lawyers from De La Garza Law Firm list road rage as one of the common causes of car accidents. Understand that road rage is serious factor to many highway related injuries, accidents and even fatalities. SafeMotorist points out that 37% of road rage scenarios end in having a firearm pulled out. In the past 7 years road rage was the cause of 12,610 injuries and 218 deaths.
Drive Smart. Avoid Risky Driving
As frustrating as traffic can be, you must learn that smart driving is key to these types of jams. A lot of people are in a hurry to get to where they need. But in these situations, there’s nothing you can really do, but apply patience and “Zen” your way out of it.
Don’t pull any risky stunts that have a chance to cause a collision or injure other drivers.
Do Not:
- Frequently merge from lane to lane when there is an opening
- Block other drivers trying to merge or enter a highway
- Tailgate
- Drive distracted. Although traffic may be sat a halt, distracted driving is the cause of many rear end accidents in slow moving traffic.
Instead apply smart driving techniques that can help make the treacherous jams less of a worry
Do:
- Keep a 3 second cushion between you and the driver in front of you
- Frequent traffic goers can make their drive less painful by figuring out which roads are the most crowded or at what times traffic is the heaviest
- Stick to one lane. Better yet stick to the center most lane if possible. This way you won’t have to merge through traffic to make your exit or make way for the merging traffic.
- If you know there’s traffic, plan ahead. Either beat the traffic early or give yourself time so you won’t run late.
Remember to stay calm…
Remember, the best thing to do in these situations is to “Zen” your way out. Realize that the thousands/millions of other motorists are in the same jam as you. The situation is out of hands. However, what is in your hands is your own safety and the safety of others. Practice your breathing, listen to your favorite audio book and apply patience. We’re all in the same traffic jam as you are.