Staying Safe During a Longer Commute

No matter where you live in Florida, you are probably well aware of the longer than normal commuting times involved in getting to and from work. Some people may see up to two hour long commutes on a daily basis because of congested traffic, adverse weather conditions, and poor road conditions.

With more of our time spent in our vehicles and on the road, we are seeing greater potential for getting into an accident while on our way to or from work and home.

The following are a few tips you can follow to help keep you safer on that long commute:

Avoid Distractions

Distractions are one of the most significant causes of accidents, and this is often because the driver is paying more attention to tasks such as eating and drinking or checking their cell phone. To make your commute safer, put down the food and the phone and pay more attention to the road.

Remember the Rules

Next, you will want to reminisce about the days you spent in your driver education courses. Before pulling out of the driveway or parking lot, check your mirrors. You don’t want to have to do this while driving, so always double-check everything before leaving.

You will also want to make sure you are using your turn signals, you glance over your shoulder when changing lanes, and stay focused on the road.

Give Yourself Extra Time

If you feel that you often feel rushed, then it is advisable to give yourself some extra time to get to where you need to go. It is always better to be earlier rather than later, right? This also cuts down on your need for speed as well which can also help keep yourself and others safe during your long commute.

Adequate Space

Finally, make sure you maintain an adequate amount of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. You never know if you will have to hit the brakes quickly for some reason. Keep your distance to lessen your chance of an accident or fender bender- especially during high traffic times of the day.

Been in an Accident?

Even with all the precautions and following our tips, you may still find that you were involved in an accident as the result of another’s negligence. If this is the case, make sure you consult with an experienced personal injury following the accident because you may be entitled to compensation for any damages or injuries sustained as a result of the accident.

Witness an Accident?

If you were fortunate enough to avoid becoming involved in an accident, but you were still a witness to one, you should pull over to a safe area, turn on your hazards, and call the authorities. Your statement as to what happened to cause the accident may be what makes or breaks the other driver’s case when they file for compensation. However, the top priority when stopping after witnessing an accident is your own safety. So, if you are not comfortable, stay at a safe distance until the police arrive and then you can give your account as to what happened. You are not legally obligated to do so, however.