In the United States, the typical driver spends a total of 51 hours trapped in rush-hour traffic. In addition to tension and irritation, bumper-to-bumper traffic additionally raises the risk of accidents. In one year, 300 accidents take place in one spot on a busy route where traffic is a way of life for drivers.
Although you may be unable to eliminate clogged roads and traffic completely, you may change how you drive to lower the possibility of an accident. The following material provides an overview of traffic congestion and information on state and municipal officials’ steps to improve traffic flow. Contact a Toledo car accident attorney if you get involved in a rear-end accident.
Ways to control bumper-to-bumper traffic safely
Engineers plan and construct highways to cope with a projected number of vehicles, trucks, and other kinds of motor vehicles. More travelers, events, or growing populations may stress a roadway’s capacity, which could lead to congestion or accidents. The end impact is jam-packed traffic.
In addition to a spike in the number of cars, other factors leading to traffic congestion include:
- Accidents involve vehicles blocking the road or pulling to the side following an accident.
- Vehicles have mechanical problems by the side of the highway or in the traffic lane.
- Freight or debris that vehicles have dropped on the road.
- Bad weather.
- Road construction zones with narrow or erratic lanes of traffic.
- Temporarily blocking travel lanes by construction cars or equipment.
Be prepared in advance for the unexpected.
Even if you take the same route daily, prepare for unexpected interruptions like traffic jams or stopped vehicles. A simple solution is to plan strategically ahead by establishing your navigation system ahead of your intended departure time to avoid the hassle and worry of getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Before you begin a trip, navigation systems allow you to view accidents, construction, or other obstacles along the way. You may find an alternate route by doing this. If none are around, you might leave earlier than intended in order to compensate for the expected delay.
Maintain a safe distance from other cars.
It could be tempting to speed up and get as near the car in front of you as possible, but it is safer to leave adequate space if the driver stops abruptly. To avoid a domino effect if someone crashes into the rear end of your car, you should not tailgate. Although it might not always prevent you from getting struck in the back, maintaining a three-second safety room between your car and the vehicle in front will significantly decrease the likelihood of engine and front-end damage.
