School being back in session means kids are going back to school, but for the adults, it increases the likelihood of getting stuck in a jam on your way to work.
Schools are back in session and so are the traffic jams they often create. From school buses to parents who will drive their children directly to their place of learning, it’s clear this season is not a favorite for most drivers, at least until they get used to the extra cars on the road.
Though they are relatively
Here’s what you can do to stay safe in a back-to-school traffic jam this year.
Keep Your Distance
You should keep enough distance between you and the other cars. When traffic is slow, a lot of drivers tend to get more comfortable behind the wheel, and may not fully pay attention to what is happening as a result.
For instance, they could be looking down at their phone, and think they should move forward because something in their peripheral vision gave them the impression the cars are going forward. If you have enough space, you can move your car and honk to alert the other driver, thus protecting yourself.
Stay Calm
Getting stuck in traffic is frustrating, yes, but it’s important not to get impatient. When you do, you may not fully be in control of your impulses or reactions, which can increase your chances of making a mistake.
Additionally, it could potentially create other issues if you let out your frustrations on other drivers, who might not be so understanding.
Stay Focused
Remember the first tip? Getting relaxed and looking on your phone, or closing your eyes can be dangerous even if your car is standing still in a traffic jam.
There’s no telling when the jam will clear up, and other drivers may not be very patient to wait for you to start your car and move along. You need to pay attention to your surroundings so that you can effectively react when needed.
Don’t Jump Lanes
Your line may seem like it hasn’t moved in forever, while the one next to you seems to be going much faster. However, changing lanes may prove difficult in a traffic jam, and you could potentially create additional problems for you, and for other drivers too.
Sometimes, it’s best to stay in your lane and wait patiently for the cars in front of you to move along.
Do Your Part
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and think you may have a case for compensation, get in touch with a St. Louis car accident lawyer to see what your best legal options are. If the car accident wasn’t your fault, you should not have to cover the costs of medical bills or repairs on your own. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a FREE case evaluation.