Planning Ahead Can Eliminate Rush-Hour Headaches
Author: Auger Law | May 19th, 2017
Few things are as frustrating as rush hour traffic. It may seem that no matter what you do, you find yourself smack in the middle of bumper-to-bumper traffic, day in and day out. The last thing you want to do Monday is go to work, and the last thing you want to have happen on your way to work is an accident.
Planning for rush hour traffic before you hit it can go a long way in helping you avoid the hassle. While you may think that you can’t avoid rush hour every day of the week, with these tips you certainly can.
1. Know the Time
It seems like one moment you are cruising along and the next you are at a standstill. Pay close attention to your local news reports in the morning and get a feel for when rush hour is at its peak. Leaving just 15 minutes before you normally do can get you over the highway at normal speeds. Even if you don’t miss rush hour altogether, you will be closer to your destination when you hit slowed traffic.
2. Choose a New Route
If you are fortunate enough to live near an area with plenty of roadways, chances are good that you can map out another route to work and avoid the highway. The highway may be the most direct route to your destination, but if you are stuck in rush hour traffic, it could actually take more time. Here’s what you can do: Drive to work during rush hour on the highway one day and take an alternate route the next. Time both trips. You may just find that the route you thought was a bit out of the way is quicker, or at least less frustrating.
3. Get Ready Ahead of Time
Part of the headache in rush hour is feeling stuck. You feel like you are going to get to work in the nick of time without enough left over to get things done. If you do things the night before, you will feel less hurried. Pack your lunch, put out your clothes and do that paperwork you brought home. By doing these things, you won’t feel quite so harried in the morning, and getting stuck in rush hour won’t be as stressful.
4. Maintain Your Lane
Keep your cool on the road if you get stuck in traffic. Driving aggressively is never a good idea. Consider the fact that if you get pulled over for your poor driving, or get an accident because of it, you will be even later. Stay in your lane, keep off the bumper in front of you and put on some relaxing music.
If you do happen to be involved in a rush hour fender bender in North Carolina, we are here for you. Reach out to our team of experienced car accident attorneys for a free case evaluation. If the other driver is found to be at fault in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries and property damage. Call today to schedule your consultation.
