The longer your commute is, the more it likely frustrates you. Many people think of their commute to and from work each day as a form of lost time. Not only is your commute consuming a significant portion of your day, but it also puts you at noteworthy risk.
You can potentially get into a crash that forces you out of your job and costs you thousands of dollars in medical care. What are some of the safety concerns that commuters need to consider for their own protection out on the roads?
Their afternoon commute is incredibly dangerous
According to statistics based on collision data analysis performed by the National Safety Council, the afternoon rush hour is the second most dangerous time of day, following the overnight hours. Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., your chances of getting into a crash are substantially higher than at other times of the day.
Fatigue is a concern during both commutes
Whether you feel tired in the morning on your way into work or have a mid-afternoon energy slump, as many people do, exhaustion can affect how safe you are on the road. Additionally, you will cross paths with hundreds of other drivers who are also very tired.
Heavy traffic means higher risk
If your commute falls during the standard morning and afternoon rush hour windows, you will probably be on the roads when the density of traffic is the highest during the day. The more other vehicles there are close to you, the more likely you are to end up in a crash.
Commutes lend themselves to distracted driving
Given that you view your commute as lost time, it is natural to want to take that time back by listening to an audiobook, catching up with a friend on the phone or eating your breakfast on the way to the office. Your distraction and the distraction of other drivers can significantly increase your chances of getting into a crash.
Running late often means cutting corners
If you find yourself behind schedule, you may speed or fail to come to a complete stop at an intersection. The choices you make in traffic when under stress may be less safe. Even if you always give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go, you might encounter a driver who was not so cautious and who is now desperately trying to make up for lost time.
Identifying and trying to minimize common risk factors during your commute can help you prevent a motor vehicle collision.