Top tips for driving in traffic

Driving in traffic is not the same as driving fast on the highway. You need to take special precautions to ensure that you remain safe at all times.

There are many things you can do to avoid trouble in traffic, with the following tips well worth considering:

— Maintain a safe distance between other vehicles. Although traffic is heavy, this doesn’t mean you have to sit an inch behind the person in front of you.

— Pay attention to other drivers. Remember this: It’s not always you who is going to cause an accident. A mistake by another driver could put you in harm’s way.

— Use your turn signals. There are many vehicles in a tight spot, so you need to use turn signals if you are making a turn or changing lanes. You want other drivers to know of your intentions at all times.

— Don’t stop quickly. When you do this, you increase the chance of being hit from behind, which could lead to serious injuries, such as whiplash.

Along with the above, if you are beginning to get frustrated in a traffic jam, pull off in the first safe area you find. By taking a break, you may feel less frustrated or upset.

It’s good to know that you have the knowledge necessary to drive safely in traffic. What’s a bit concerning, however, is that some drivers won’t take the same approach.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in heavy traffic, it’s best to move your vehicle out of the way if possible. However, if you are injured, don’t attempt to move. You need to wait for emergency personnel to arrive on the scene.

Source: Total News Wire, “7 Tips for Driving in Traffic Jams This Spring,” accessed June 30, 2016