Protect yourself during your daily commute

On Behalf of | Apr 20, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Crashes kill 37,000 people a year and injure more than 2 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All motorists bear responsibility for safe driving. Some, unfortunately, behave like they do not care when they get behind the wheel. Commuters engaged in reckless behavior, such as distracted driving, cause many crashes. 

If you commute to work, you spend more time on the road than other people and the risk factor is higher. Luckily, you can take steps to protect yourself. 

Pay attention to the road, other motorists  

Even if you drive with care, keep an eye on the traffic around you. Commuters cause many accidents by changing lanes without warning, following too close, etc. 

Every day, you see drivers ignoring the road because they are using their smartphones. You can reduce your distractions by turning off your phone or placing it out of reach. If you must take part in a call, use a hands-free device. 

You can take some of the rush out of “rush hour” by giving yourself extra time to reach your destination. This reduces the need to speed or to take other risks. If a traffic jam or accident interrupts your commute, you do not have to worry about being late. 

If telecommuting is an option, take advantage of it. This is especially important on Fridays, the most dangerous day of the week for commuting. 

Pay attention to your car 

Cars today have more safety features and warning signals than ever before. You should familiarize with them, know what they mean and take corrective action. Ignoring what your car is telling you can lead to a dangerous breakdown on the highway. 

When it is time to upgrade your vehicle, keep your commute in mind. Take a close look at models with high safety ratings. A commuter accident can leave you with major injuries, medical expenses and loss of income. Lessen the stress by preparing for every possibility. 

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