Drivers who are on the road Monday through Friday traveling to and from work may be at a higher risk of an accident, as they are on the road at time where traffic is at its worst.
Most accidents occur between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., a survey says, which is also known as rush hour for individuals who work a typical “nine-to-five” job. What safety tips can commuters benefit from?
Watch out for distracted drivers
Many states, including Maryland have laws that prohibit texting and driving. Some even have laws against talking on a cell phone and driving. However, that does not mean everyone stays off their mobile devices while driving, especially when they are stuck in traffic. According to the NHTSA, in 2017 over 3,000 people were killed because of distracted driving. This does not include the number of non-fatal accidents caused by distracted drivers. Signs of distracted driving include:
- Drifting between lanes, or unable to drive straight
- Driver looking down or not at the road
- Inconsistent speeding up and braking
Slow down
Especially after a long day of work, everyone will be eager to get home and relax. Oftentimes, this means that speeding and tailgating are frequent practices while commuting. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports that nearly one-third of car accidents happen because of speeding. Making the drive more enjoyable may help a driver curb the urge to speed.
- Listen to music, an audio book or podcast
- Stock the car with your favorite drink or snack
- Try to avoid heavy traffic, if you can
Commuting is not always fun or easy, but it can be safe if drivers take the time to watch out for distracted drivers and keep within the speed limit.
