“As urbanisation drives many to the cities and vehicle ownership increases, road users have to prepare themselves with the skills and attitude required to drive in heavy traffic much more often,” says Arrive Alive.
According to Arrive Alive, heavy traffic could be caused by several factors that include “the usual rush-hour, heavy traffic after delays caused by roadworks, road closures, road accidents and environmental factors such as snow, mist, rockfalls and flooding, which can also cause road closures”.
If drivers don’t apply driving techniques and remain considerate on the road during the conditions mentioned above, it can lead to dangerous consequences.
Arrive Alive’s tips on how road users can be safer when driving in heavily congested traffic:
- Safe and defensive road behaviour starts even before you get on the road.
- Driving in heavy traffic requires increased focus and attention, placing more strain on the body – a good rest before the drive would help prevent driving tiredness.
- Checking weather and road conditions in advance helps you plan a route and more awareness about what to expect along the way.
- Plan in advance – do not be the cause of your frustration and need to rush!
- Often leaving fifteen minutes before the start or after the end of peak hour can dramatically decrease the flow of traffic on your drive.
- Plan to avoid the worst holiday peak traffic periods when many highways become congested.
- Give yourself extra time to get to your destination and don’t set yourself unreasonable/unattainable targets for the estimated time of arrival.
- Schedule regular rest stops.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
