How to Ensure Road Safety for Regular Commuters in the US

The number of commuters is higher than ever, especially with companies asking their employees to return to offices. The increase in commuting has led to more frequent traffic jams and also resulted in a higher number of car accidents. 

That’s why road safety is a critical concern for regular commuters who roam the highways daily in order to get to work. Whether traveling by car, bicycle, motorcycle, or public transport, the risks of road accidents remain high due to factors such as reckless driving, poor road conditions, and unpredictable weather. 

According to global statistics, thousands of road accidents occur each year, many of which result in injuries or fatalities. So, adopting safety measures is essential for reducing risks and ensuring safety for commuters. 

In the paragraphs below, we’ll take a look at what local authorities can do to reduce the number of accidents and help commuters get to their work unharmed. 

Why commuters are at risk

As mentioned, the number of commuters in the US is extremely high. To put things into perspective, in 2022, more than 140 million people had to commute to work daily. Now consider the fact that most of these people share a similar 9 to 5 job schedule. That basically means traffic jams are unavoidable.

And, in the pool of those commuters, you’ll always have drivers who disregard the speeding limit or want to cut the time short and get easily distracted by their mobile phones or other multimedia devices. That’s why car accidents are also significantly rising because drivers fail to recognize the importance of driving safely.

How to fight the problem 

There are several things local authorities and drivers can also do to ensure a safe journey for everyone. Below, we’ll list some useful tips and suggestions that could help promote safer driving and better road conditions for commuters. 

However, even with the best safety practices in place, it will be almost impossible to bring the number of car accidents to zero. That’s why it’s important to file an official report any time an accident happens so that the guilty party doesn’t go unpunished. 

Injured parties often avoid filing an official report when instead they should immediately contact a car accident lawyer and start the settlement process.

Defensive driving techniques

One of the most effective ways to ensure road safety is by adopting defensive driving techniques. Defensive driving involves anticipating potential hazards and reacting proactively to avoid accidents.

Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles allows for sudden stops and prevents collisions. Avoiding distractions such as mobile phone use, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving ensures the focus remains on the road. 

Being aware of blind spots and checking mirrors frequently helps prevent accidents, especially when changing lanes. 

Basically, all of these techniques are the basics of safe driving but are often forgotten by so many drivers, especially when they’re in a rush to get home after a long day of work. 

Vehicle maintenance and safety checks

Let’s be honest, we’ve all skipped the mandatory vehicle checks. Often, obligations get in the way and the regular check-ups get postponed way beyond their due date. 

Regular vehicle maintenance is definitely a priority if you want to ensure road safety. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to break down or cause accidents. 

Sometimes, brake systems fail or malfunction if not inspected regularly. The same goes for tires.

Tire condition and pressure must be monitored, as underinflated or worn-out tires increase the risk of skidding, especially on wet roads. 

All of these checks need to be done on time, especially if you’re a daily commuter. That means you’re using your vehicle daily and it’s highly likely that tires will get worn out if not checked when necessary.

Adapting to weather conditions

Weather conditions significantly impact driving and poor weather conditions can be quite the challenge for newbie drivers. In rainy conditions, reducing speed, using headlights, and maintaining a longer stopping distance help prevent skidding. 

If you live in areas with unpredictable winters such as Montana or Minnesota, you need to make a habit of checking the weather forecast before stepping foot outside the door.

Public transportation safety measures

Not all commuters use their vehicles, Some use public transportation to get to work. Public transport is a safer option but it doesn’t mean that it’s immune to accidents. 

For commuters relying on public transport, safety precautions are equally important. Using designated stops for boarding and exiting buses or trains reduces dangerous situations. 

Being mindful of surroundings and staying alert to pickpockets or suspicious activities enhances personal safety. Holding handrails prevents falls due to sudden stops or movements in buses and trains. Also, whenever you enter public transport, make sure to check where the emergency exits are.

Cycling and walking safety tips

For those lucky to have their offices near their homes, they can always opt for a more sustainable commuting option such as cycling or even walking. 

If you decide to go to work by bike, keep in mind that wearing reflective gear increases visibility, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Use bicycle lanes if possible to avoid accidents and avoid driving on roads that don’t have designated lanes. 

As a pedestrian, make sure to cross the street safely and always wait for the green light. Many pedestrians often cross the street with their headphones on and this makes them vulnerable to incoming traffic. 

The final word

Ensuring road safety is a joint effort. Both commuters and local authorities need to work together to ensure safety. Local authorities need to ensure that the roads are well-maintained, whereas commuters need to do the same for their vehicles. 

Commuters also need to be mindful of the way they drive and should try to keep a cool head even amidst traffic jams. It’s important to adjust your driving according to the situation and weather conditions. 

To sum up, safe driving practices and regular maintenance are key factors that positively influence commuter safety.