Safety in Traffic
Avoiding accidents in traffic is a little different than avoiding accidents on the open road. Long-distance drivers know that fatigue is responsible for numerous accidents. But what causes accidents when you are driving around town, making frequent stops? Many people spend a lot of time on the road as they are working. Some people spend many hours in traffic just going to and from work. Every hour spent on the road increases your chance of having an accident.

Certainly speed is a factor in accidents. Speed limits are carefully selected to minimize the chances of accidents. When traffic is heavy, there just isn't very much distance between you and the next vehicle to stop. Observing the speed limit is one sure way to reduce your chance of an accident. When you make stops, park your vehicle carefully. You'll want to avoid collisions with other vehicles as well as bicycles and passerby. If you must load things into or out of your vehicle, be sure your load does not obstruct your vision. Perhaps the main cause of accidents in traffic is a simple matter of not paying attention. Running stop lights and stop signs is also a possibility if you are not paying attention.

Sometimes paying attention to the wrong things causes accidents, too. Reading addresses on buildings, street signs, and maps while driving can lead to accidents. Certainly using a cell phone or text meassaging should be out of the question. Fatigue is also a contributor to traffic accidents. Feeling tired causes you to become distracted easily and also slows your reflexes.

To drive safely in traffic you must keep your speed down, pay attention, limit cell phone use, and avoid driving when you are tired. Many accidents and injuries could be prevented by following these precautions. Next time you're in traffic, remember these things and be safe!