How to Behave in Rush Hour Traffic
How people behave while driving during rush hour may have been described more than a century before there were rush hours. In 1776, American patriot Thomas Paine’s words could be relevant for today’s harried drivers: these are the times that try men’s souls.No times can be more trying than those drivers must endure on roads, streets, highways and freeways while trying to get to and from work during rush hours. In the middle of a traffic jam or a fender-bender, not many drivers think too much about proper behavior.More likely, they’re too busy cussing each other out and trying to get away from the problems. However, for those who believe good manners can make rush hours more bearable, here are some suggestions:1. If you’ve had a bad day at work or home, don’t let it affect your self control by taking those feelings with you on the road. Uncontrolled anger is one of the most frequent causes of accidents during rush hours, according to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).2. Don’t drink and drive at all, and it can be especially dangerous during heavy commuter traffic. Even one shot of whiskey or glass of beer can affect your judgment and behavior on the road, making you a less alert and skilled driver.3. Practice old-fashioned courtesy. If someone in line ahead is going too slow or a fast driver cuts in front of you, it may cause you to get to your destination 30 seconds later than planned. When you resort to anger and discourtesy, it changes nothing, except your rising blood pressure.4. Whenever possible, limit all cell phone talk to only when traffic is stopped, or when you can safely pull off the road to receive or make calls. It is not only discourteous to other drivers, but can be a real danger.5. If there’s an accident ahead or you’re delayed by traffic or construction, keep calm. Honking your horn or cursing will just make the situation worse. If possible, find an alternate route, or if you must sit for awhile, check your GPS, make phone calls or listen to music.6. Having the right of way is a long-held tradition of driving courtesy, but don’t depend on it when you’re in the middle of rush hour on a very busy road. Stay alert at all times, and expect to see many discourteous drivers. Then, when you encounter some considerate ones, you can be pleasantly surprised.7. If another driver is obviously angry and driving erratically, don’t take it as a challenge to match the speed or believe it’s your duty to reprimand the offender. Just get yourself as far away as possible. If the offending driver is threatening you or otherwise behaving in a dangerous way, pull over and call 9-1-1 and/or try to alert a nearby police or highway patrol car.Driving in rush hour is a constant challenge. Your ability and determination to behave safely and courteously will make the time pass more pleasantly for you, as well as for everyone else sharing the road with you.
