Posted in Car Accident on May 21, 2018
A proposed mass transit plan was recently voted down in Nashville, and that means commuting options for most drivers into and around the city will remain the area’s major interstates and highways.
People who have lived and worked in the area for any amount of time know that traffic can be significant, especially during the morning and evening rush hours. And congestion can get even worse when inclement weather hits, as accidents and delays are much more likely to occur when roads are slick and wet from rain, snow, and ice.
No one likes to deal with traffic, but it’s an everyday reality for thousands of drivers in the mid-state area. Thankfully, there are some effective and efficient ways to deal with it to make your daily commute a little less frustrating and a little safer:
Planning ahead also means giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. When you don’t feel rushed or on the verge of running late, you’ll be less tempted to speed or engage in dangerous driving behaviors. Leaving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon also means less traffic on the interstate or highway—and that means a smoother drive and a reduced risk of accidents.
Almost anyone is susceptible to road rage, and it can happen when you least expect it. Staying cool, calm, and collected behind the wheel, even during the most stressful traffic-related situations, can help you avoid judgment errors and aggressive driving—both of which can lead to accidents. Keeping your cool is also important for avoiding confrontations with other drivers who may be experiencing the effects of road rage themselves.
Common problems that drivers often face during their daily commutes include flat or damaged tires, running out of gas, or oil-related engine troubles. You can prevent those issues by checking your tires regularly. If you see damage or worn tread, get them replaced as soon as possible. In addition, never put off filling your gas tank, as you never know when you may get stuck in traffic and be unable to top it off. Finally, schedule regular oil changes to keep your engine running at its peak performance and reliability.
One of the best ways to become a defensive driver is to simply expect the unexpected. That can be difficult for some drivers, especially when they’ve taken the same route hundreds of even thousands of times. But recognizing that there’s a chance you’ll be involved in an accident every time you leave home can help you be more cognizant of potential risks and hazards on Nashville’s highways and interstates.
Work from home options and flexible work schedules are becoming more popular at many businesses, and they can help significantly cut down on traffic and the number of vehicles on the road during rush hour.
Recent studies have shown that Nashville is among the 25 worst cities in America for traffic, and the problem may continue to get worse before it gets better, especially as the area continues to boom. Because additional transit options may be many years away, it’s important to do everything you can to reduce the risks you face during your daily commute.
Hurt in a Crash? Protect Your Legal Rights Today.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville car accident attorneys know that heavy traffic often means a greater risk of crashes. If you or someone you love was hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, we want to help you maximize your chances of getting compensation.
Pursuing compensation on your own means a greater chance of being taken advantage of by the insurance company. One of their primary tactics is to offer victims like you lowball settlements that simply aren’t enough to cover the medical bills and lost wages that you’ll face in the weeks, months, and years to come.
We can calculate how much you’re owed, and we’ll fight to get you the full damages you and your family deserve. Contact us today at (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online form to get in touch with us. We have 30 years of experience helping victims like you, and we know what it takes to win.
