Driving in traffic is one of the hardest things to do as a new teen driver, especially in the major cities in California. There are so many cars and trucks with distracted or aggressive drivers going at different speeds weaving in and out of lanes. Tensions are high, and it feels like there is something you need to pay attention to in every direction.
Driving in traffic can feel like a daunting task because just one mistake could cause a serious accident. That’s why it’s important to take driving in traffic seriously. In this article, we are going to look at how important it is to not tailgate in traffic, how to stay calm, and other tips to keep you safe while stuck in traffic.
#1: Do Not Tailgate
Tailgating is never a good idea, but it’s especially dangerous when traffic is heavy and bumper-to-bumper. In traffic, there’s less time and space to react if someone suddenly stops. And if there’s an accident, the cars behind will pile up quickly. That’s why it’s important to keep a safe following distance between you and the car in front of you, even if it means crawling along at a snail’s pace. In stop-and-go traffic, it’s also a good idea to leave extra space between you and the car ahead so you can maneuver around any obstacles that may appear in your path. By following at a safer distance, you can help prevent accidents and keep yourself and others on the road safe.
#2: Set Your GPS Before You Start Driving
When driving in traffic, you need to keep your attention on the road. It’s easy to want to look at an alternate GPS route or try another app to see how to get to your destination faster. However, taking the time to search on or download a map is an easy way to take your eyes off the road, potentially leading to an accident.
The best thing to do before getting on the road during rush hour is to set your GPS, Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze app, beforehand. When you get in your car you should lock the doors (a bonus safety tip!), get your GPS destination into your phone app or vehicle, set it up so you can see it hands-free without blocking your view of the road, and then take off. Doing this step before hitting the road gives you one less distraction to worry about.
#3: Don’t Play on Your Phone
While it may seem like a harmless way to pass the time, playing on your phone while driving in traffic can have serious consequences. It takes your attention away from the road, so even if you’re not texting or making calls, you’re still not focused on driving. It’s also against the law in California.
This seemingly harmless habit can lead to missed exits, accidents, tickets, and other problems. We all know playing on your phone while driving is illegal, dangerous, and puts both you and other drivers at risk.
#4: Don’t Weave In and Out of Lanes
When you’re driving in traffic down the highway, it can be tempting to weave in and out of lanes to get ahead. However, this is a dangerous practice that can put yourself and others at risk.
It’s important to stay in one lane so that other drivers know where you are and account for you in their decision making. If you’re constantly switching lanes, it’s hard for them to predict your next move, which could lead to an accident. Additionally, when you’re constantly changing lanes, it feels harmless to take your eyes off the road in front of you to look in your blind spot for just a second. But that’s all it takes for you not to notice that the person in front of you has slammed on their brakes, causing you to wind up in an accident. Finally, it usually doesn’t net you any additional time savings in the end – so it really isn’t worth it. So next time you’re driving, resist the urge to switch lanes unnecessarily and stay safe. You will most likely get to your destination at the same time anyway.
#5: Keep Calm
When you’re driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the best thing you can do is stay calm. It’s easy to get frustrated when you’re stuck in a line of cars, but obviously, getting angry won’t help anything. Not only will it make the situation more unpleasant, but it can also lead to road rage. Instead, take a deep breath and try to relax. Remember, the traffic will eventually clear up. You will get through to your destination as soon as you can. Getting stressed out about it won’t make it go any faster.
#6: Pay Attention/Avoid Distractions
According to the CDC, about 3,000 people die each year from distracted driving. Distracted driving is a problem whether you’re in traffic or not. Distracted driving can take many forms, but anything that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off of driving is dangerous and should be avoided.
That includes talking or texting on your phone, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, fiddling with the radio, or even daydreaming. It’s easy when driving in traffic to think you have extra time since you’re not moving much. However, just a few seconds of distraction can lead to an accident, so it’s important to stay focused when behind the wheel.
If you need to do something that takes your attention away from driving, pull off to a safe location first. By being aware of the dangers of distracted driving and making an effort to avoid it, you can help keep yourself and others a bit safer on the road.
#7: Always Use Your Turn Signals
Always use your turn signals when you’re on the freeway – especially when in bumper-to-bumper traffic. For one thing, it gives other drivers an indication of your intentions. That way, they can be prepared in case you need to merge or change lanes in front of them, which is always harder to do in traffic. Plus, using your signals is just good manners. It’s a basic courtesy that lets other drivers know what you’re doing and shows that you’re considerate of their space on the road. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, those little gestures can go a long way toward making the drive a little less stressful for everyone involved. So next time you’re stuck in traffic, remember to use your turn signals. It’ll make the drive a little smoother for everyone.
#8: Leave Early
It’s much easier to lose your temper in traffic if you feel that the traffic is going to cause you to be late. As you watch the clock tick away, you may find yourself angrier and angrier at the situation. If there’s likely to be traffic, it’s always better to leave yourself a bit more time than you think you need. Sitting in your car safely at your destination for a few extra minutes is much more peaceful than sitting in your car in traffic worried that you’ll be late.