Make Your Commute a Safer One

Anyone who commutes to and from work every day knows that it can be a hassle. From bumper-to-bumper traffic to car accidents that put the highway at a standstill, driving to work everyday can be a test of your patience. No matter how frustrating your ride, your daily goal should be to make it your destination safely. Here’s how you can accomplish that.

1. Leave Early to Avoid Rush Hour

You may not want to leave earlier than you have to, but it is the best way to avoid rush hour. You may have to find something to do before the workday starts, but chances are good that it will be better than sitting in traffic going nowhere fast.

2. Your Shoes Matter

This is more a tip for those who wear heels and open-toed shoes than those who don’t. Wear the appropriate footwear while driving. Heels can get caught on floor mats, mules can slip off and strappy sandals can get stuck. Wear sneakers or flats while you are driving and put your work shoes on when you get out of the car.

3. Stay Focused

Think of all of the things you do when you are behind the wheel. From eating breakfast to catching up on email, commuters do all sorts of things they shouldn’t while they are driving. If you are guilty of trying to multitask while you are operating your vehicle, now is the time to change your habits. Distracted driving is one of the top causes of car accidents across the United States.

4. Mind the Sun

The bright sun is a very real problem for some commuters. If you find yourself traveling into the sun on your way to work and then again on your way home, make sure that you are protecting your eyes. Your vehicle’s sun visor may not be enough; wear a good pair of sunglasses. Remember that you may need to increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you if the glare is especially bright. You may not see things as quickly as you need to, preventing your ability to stop in the typical amount of time.

5. Be Defensive, Not Aggressive

If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a few deep breaths and refocus your emotions. One of the most dangerous things you can do is to drive aggressively. In turn, you don’t want to become the victim of someone’s road rage. Drive defensively and peacefully. Nothing will be accomplished by tailgating, shouts and hand gestures.

If you are involved in a car accident in North Carolina during your commute, you have legal rights. If that accident was caused by someone else, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Call our office today to schedule a free case evaluation and let us discuss your next steps. An initial call to our office is always free and we work on a contingency basis which means that it does not cost anything up front to hire us to start work on your case.  Ask us about the details when you call!