Driving during rush hour in Georgia can be stressful. Traffic gets backed up, drivers get frustrated, and accidents happen. Road rage rears its ugly head. Staying calm and being alert is key to making it through traffic safely. Follow these tips to keep your cool and get where you’re going accident-free.
Leave Early to Avoid the Worst Congestion
Timing is everything when it comes to avoiding the height of rush hour congestion. If possible, shift your schedule so you can leave 30 to 60 minutes before or after the peak. This will help you steer clear of the bumper-to-bumper traffic when roads are most crowded.
Check traffic reports ahead of time so you know when to expect delays. Apps like Google Maps and Waze provide real-time traffic information so you can plan alternate routes if needed. Leaving early alleviates time pressure, so you’re not tempted to speed or make risky moves in heavy traffic.
Drive Defensively and Leave Space Between Cars
Practice defensive driving techniques for navigating through dense traffic safely. Leave ample space between you and the car in front – at least 3 to 4 seconds following distance. This gives you extra time to react and avoids chain-reaction collisions if traffic suddenly slows or stops.
Scan farther ahead than just the vehicle immediately in front of you. Anticipate braking and changes so you can respond smoothly rather than jamming on the brakes at the last second. Going with the flow of traffic and avoiding sudden lane changes helps take the stress out of driving in congestion.
Don’t Take Other Drivers’ Actions Personally
In heavy traffic, other drivers will make moves that may seem aggressive or unsafe. Getting angry will only escalate the situation. Take a deep breath and focus on your own actions rather than reacting to others on the road.
Frustrated drivers may honk, pass too closely, cut in front of you, or even display rude gestures. As difficult as it can be, don’t take it personally. Declutter your mind by turning on soothing music or focusing on your breathing. Getting riled up will make your drive more tense and hazardous.
Avoid Distractions That Compromise Focus
Rush hour demands your full attention. Put down the phone and avoid other activities that divert focus from the road. Texting while driving is illegal in Georgia. Eating, applying makeup, or inputting GPS destinations into your navigation system also jeopardize safety when traffic is stop-and-go.
Even conversations can be distracting when roads are congested and conditions are changing quickly. Tune your radio presets before you get on the freeway. Pull over rather than digging for items. Stay off the phone and avoid intense discussions until you reach your destination.
Don’t Drive When You’re Upset, Overtired or Impaired
Heavy traffic is aggravating enough without feeling upset or irritable before you even get behind the wheel. If you’ve just had an intense argument at home or work, give yourself time to cool off before driving. Consider taking public transportation or getting a ride if possible.
Make sure you’re well rested before driving in congested conditions. Drowsy driving causes thousands of accidents every year. Avoid driving when you normally would be sleeping. Also, never drive impaired under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This seriously compromises your reaction time and judgment.
Adjust Your Schedule to Minimize Rush Hour Journeys
Rush hour driving raises your risk of getting into an accident. Modify your schedule if you can to avoid the most congested times on Atlanta highways like I-75, I-85, I-20, and I-285. Shift your hours earlier or later, or take advantage of options like telecommuting if your workplace allows it.
If possible, run errands or go to appointments at less busy times. Use surface streets to bypass jammed interstates. Consider ride share options like carpooling. The less you have to subject yourself to stop-and-go traffic and road rage, the safer you’ll be.
Pull Over if You Feel Anger or Anxiety Building
Don’t hesitate to take a driving time out if congestion is pushing your stress levels into the red zone. Find a safe place to pull over, put your flashers on, and take some deep breaths. Walking away from the car can help diffuse anger and frustration before they lead to poor driving choices.
Light exercise like walking or stretching helps relieve tension. Splash cold water on your face or drink some to help you calm down. Call a friend or loved one to vent so you can get back on the road with a level head. Don’t drive again until your emotions have cooled down.
Use In-Car Technology to Make Your Drive Easier
Take advantage of in-vehicle technology to make rush hour driving less stressful. Advanced driver assist systems can automatically brake to avoid collisions, keep you in your lane, and maintain a safe following distance. Voice commands allow you to dictate texts and calls hands-free. Connected services provide alternate routes to avoid tie-ups. Leveraging these features helps reduce driver workload.
Rush hour traffic in Georgia’s urban centers like Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta and Athens can quickly go from annoying to infuriating. But keeping your cool behind the wheel is the best way to reach your destination safely. With defensive driving skills, avoidance of distractions, anger management techniques, and schedule adjustments to minimize driving in heavy congestion, you can make it through with your peace of mind intact.
Are You Injured? Contact Us Today
At Monge & Associates, our team of personal injury attorneys has 32 offices in 19 states, including Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by another driver’s negligence or reckless behavior, contact us for a free consultation at (888) 477-0597.
Our skilled legal team will fight to get you maximum compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. With years of experience, Monge & Associates has a proven track record of success in traffic accident cases. Call today to find out how we can help you get justice after a crash.