Traffic is down, dramatically, due to stay-at-home orders and other quarantine measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. You would think that means the roads are safer, but it has created its own problem. With less traffic and fewer traffic jams, drivers are being more careless. More are speeding and many just don’t feel the need to use their normal level of caution. And, of course, the people who are out driving are often working overtime at stressful jobs right now, leading to fatigue.
At the same time, there are many out there who are feeling the economic strain as well as the effects of staying at home making them more prone to road rage. And the propensity for road rage accidents only increase as temperatures rise. All of that means, if you have to get out on the roads, you need to use extra caution and be more aware than ever of the drivers around you. Here are some tips to help you stay safe. And if you are hurt in an accident caused by a negligent driver or road rage, talk to an experienced car accident attorney right away.
Drive Courteously and with Your Full Attention
This is a stressful time for everyone, tempers are high, nerves are raw. There are plenty of people out on the roads just looking for a fight. And some, who aren’t but who have just reached their breaking point. Try to give other driver some extra slack, but always be watching out for driver who make mistakes or aren’t paying attention so you can avoid getting in a wreck.
- Give the car ahead of you enough space. Don’t follow too closely.
- Avoid driving directly next to another vehicle. Hang back a little or pull forward some so that your vehicles are not aligned.
- Stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots. Can you see the driver’s face through a window or in the mirrors? If not, you’re in a blind spot.
- Don’t forget to keep scanning the horizon for problems ahead.
- Signal well in advance of turning or changing lanes.
- Mind your high beams.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, search our directory for an experienced accident attorney in your state.
