Rush Hour Driving Can Be More Dangerous
Peak travel times, sometimes referred to as rush hours, can come with their own dangers. The time periods vary from area to area and sometimes the time of year can make a difference as well. Unfortunately, rush hour isn’t only an hour for many communities, but there are steps you can take to stay safe on the roads at any time of day.
Car accidents can and do happen during rush hour. If you have sustained injuries in a traffic crash, contact a Bucks County personal injury lawyer to discuss the possibility of compensation. And before an accident happens, be aware of rush hour risks.
In a Hurry and No Room to Move
To safely drive, there needs to be adequate room between the vehicles to avoid collisions with other cars, trucks, and motorcycles. In rush hour traffic, people are in a hurry to get to their destination, whether they are worried about being late for work or are in a rush to get home for a family commitment. Then, vehicles drive too close together and a car is unable to stop if another driver enters their lane abruptly or the car ahead unexpectedly stops.
Because of the stress involved in traffic delays, it is also common for drivers to get emotional and impatient. Risks are heightened when drivers are upset with others on the road or angry at the delay itself. When drivers are upset they are more likely to make decisions out of aggression rather than making logical, safe decisions.
Safe Driving During Rush Hour
Of course, the first thing you can do to drive safely is to choose a vehicle that has a good safety rating and maintain your vehicle. Choose the safest route you can, avoiding sun glare and intersections that are notoriously dangerous. Sun glare can be especially dangerous during rush hour traffic because the sun is typically coming up or going down during those hours, depending on the direction a driver is traveling.
Other things you can do to drive safely:
- Be aware of other drivers and their vehicles
- Do not allow yourself to participate in aggressive driving
- Wear sunglasses and use visors if there is sun glare
- Be sure your mirrors are all positioned correctly
- Use your turn signals so others are aware of your movements
Sometimes, the best thing you can do when driving in rush hour traffic is to simply stay in your lane. Frustrated drivers tend to dart between lanes over and over, trying to find the fastest one. Staying steady and calm until the traffic loosens could be your best bet.
Talk to an Experienced Bucks County Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been in a car accident caused by rush hour traffic, you need to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer. The personal injury attorneys at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. will work with you for the best possible outcome, whether that is filing a claim against a negligent driver or with an insurance company. Schedule your consultation today, call 215-968-6602.
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