Here in the United States, the average American spends roughly 26 minutes on their commute to work each day, as of 2014. That is a total of 52 minutes a day spent traveling back and forth from work, and nearly four and a half hours of a week spent in rush hour traffic.
Commuting typically correlates with the most stressful part of your day, and with nearly 1 hour spent in rush hour traffic every day it makes sense. Whether you are travelling to work in your car or bike, or rushing to the office because you are running late, commuting can be dangerous if you do not take proper precautions on the road.
According to the National Safety Counsel, most car accidents occur from 4:00-7:59 P.M, which is commonly referred to as rush hour. These are peak commuting hours, and if you are not driving carefully the likelihood of getting into a car or bike accident can be high. Our Utah car accident attorney wants to ensure that everyone’s commute to work can be as safe and stress free as possible. In this article we aim to give you comprehensive safety tips for both cyclists and drivers, helping you to arrive at work safely and in one piece.
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Tips For Car Drivers:
Stay Alert
When you begin driving it is important to remember that your attention should be placed on the road ahead of you. Do not let your phone or any other distractions keep your focus off the road. Sending one text message can take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds, at 55 miles per hour that is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed! For your safety and the safety of everyone around you try your best to stay alert and attentive while you are behind the wheel.
Respect Cyclists
The road is for everyone, not just for cars and trucks. It is important to remember that a cyclist has the same rights and claim to the road as any other motorist. Since you may be sharing the road on your commute, make sure to drive as safely as possible when near a cyclist. You can do this by giving a cyclist plenty of room when you are attempting to pass them, slowing down and giving them space when they are attempting a turn, and checking your mirrors and blind spots to ensure that no cyclist is there when you attempt a lane change.
Use Your Turn Signals
Your vehicle has turn signals for a reason, and it is to help keep you safe by signaling your intention to turn to others well in advance. Utilizing a turn signal not only lets the drivers around you know what you are planning to do, but it also alerts them to adjust their vehicles accordingly so you can make your maneuver safely.
Drive Safely in Bad Weather:
Since you are most likely commuting year round, the likelihood of driving in poor weather conditions on your commute to work is high. Inclement weather conditions are one of the deadliest causes of car accidents, and the Department of Transportation estimates that 16% of all fatal car accidents are due to weather conditions.
With how dangerous driving in inclement weather can be, you must be prepared for the reality of driving through bad weather conditions on your commute. Bad weather can have severe effects on the road, it can reduce your visibility, decrease your vehicle’s traction, and increase the distance that is needed for your vehicle to stop.
If you are commuting in poor weather conditions try to drive at a speed in which you feel comfortable controlling your vehicle and making split second decisions. Doing this can help you gain better control of your car and avoid getting into any unforeseen accidents.
Follow Traffic Laws and Be Courteous
It may seem like an obvious step to take, but following traffic laws can be paramount to your safety while on your commute. Speed limits and traffic signs are there for everyone’s safety so please remember to adhere to them and follow their laws. Adhering to these laws can help to prevent frivolous car accidents and can help to ensure everyone’s safety.
Another way to do this is to be courteous to your other drivers. For instance if someone is using their blinker to get into your lane, make room and let them in, this can help to decrease traffic accidents, as well as road rage incidents.
Tips For Cyclists
Wear a Helmet
The number one key to your safety while riding a bicycle is to wear a properly fitting helmet. According to the National Library of Medicine, wearing a helmet can reduce your chances of serious head injury by 60% and traumatic brain injuries by 53%. Your helmet acts as your first line of defense against head injuries and bad drivers, so make sure your helmet is always on before you ride.
Be Visible
A bicycle is much smaller than any other vehicle on the road meaning that you can often go unnoticed; however, being seen is critical for your safety. If you are riding a bike for your commute make sure that you can be easily noticed, this means wearing bright or colorful clothing and utilizing lights and reflectors on your bike. Equipping your bike with lights and reflectors can help you stand out especially in the early morning, late evening, and in poor weather conditions. By utilizing these steps to be visible on your commute your chances of getting into an accident can decrease tremendously.
Signal Your Intentions
A driver should always use their turn signal to indicate their intentions to turn, and a cyclist should do the same. If you are planning to use your bike for your commute to work, learn your hand turn signals. These signals can help you indicate any turns that you are intending to take, helping drivers around you to know what your intentions are, and thus allowing them to properly adjust their speed and make room for your next move.
Ride Defensively
Riding defensively is a key strategy any cyclist should utilize, especially if you are riding your bike as part of your commute to work. Riding defensively means that you try your hardest to be aware of your surroundings at all times, and are always prepared to make split second decisions to avoid any accidents. You can do this by staying alert and aware of the traffic around you and anticipate the actions of the drivers who may be stuck in traffic. When riding defensively, do not assume that the vehicles on the road can see you, be prepared to avoid any sudden lane changes or turns as a result of this.
Follow the Rules of the Road
A cyclist is required to adhere to any and all traffic laws, especially here in Utah. According to Utah code 41-6a-1102, a bicycle has all the rights and is subject to all of the provisions applicable to any other vehicle. This means that as a cyclist you must adhere to any and all traffic laws on the road. So make sure to stop at all stop signs, traffic lights, and adhere to any lane markings. Following these laws can help to make your actions more predictable to other vehicles on the road, ensuring your safety further.
Use Bike Lanes When Available
Perhaps the most obvious piece of advice our Utah car accident lawyers can offer is to use designated bike lanes whenever possible. These bike lanes are designed specifically with cyclists and bike commuters in mind. They can help to create a buffer between a bicycle and a car, and will help to minimize your potential risks on the road.
General Tips For Commuting
- Plan Your Route: Planning ahead can allow you to choose routes that have less traffic, avoid road work, or better infrastructure to support your mode of travel. Planning ahead can help reduce your exposure and risk to potential hazards.
- Stay Informed: Be aware of local traffic news and any construction areas that could affect your commute. Knowledge of road conditions can help you avoid any dangerous spots of traffic or road work.
- Maintain Your Vehicle or Bike: Ensure that whatever mode of transport you use is in good working order. Regular checks can prevent malfunctions that could lead to accidents.
By adhering to these safety tips, both drivers and cyclists can contribute to a safer commuting environment. Remember, the road is a shared space, and mutual respect and understanding can go a long way in preventing accidents and ensuring everyone’s safety. If you or someone you know has been injured on your commute be sure to reach out to the best car accident lawyers in Salt Lake City at LifeLaw Personal Injury.
Our team of Utah car accident lawyers will fight for your rights to compensation and make sure every detail of your case has been handled so you can focus on what is really important, your recovery. If you have been injured and you don’t know where to start, call the car accident lawyers at LifeLaw today for a free consultation and to discuss your options further!