Changing the Way You Drive Increases Safety & Reduces Traffic Jams

High fuel costs are impacting us in ways that we probably never realized. It is now being reported that traffic reduced 9% nationwide between January and May of this year. That number seems pretty low to residents of larger cities and in Los Angeles, I can tell you from personal experience that journeys that used to take 1 1/2 hour will often only take 45 minutes. It is changing the way that Angelenos measure distance: we used to measure in the estimated time that it would take to travel from one spot to the next.

In Georgia, a recent report indicated that traffic deaths dropped 33% and attribute part of that drop to rising fuel costs. "Higher fuel costs lead to less miles driven." People are being pickier about reasons to jump on the road and that is increasing safety! Who'd have thunk!

This all sounds like good news to those of us on the road but there are still some practical driving tips that can also help with safety and reduce the amount of time spent on the road.

1. Maintain a safe distance. Remember that trick for staying 10 feet behind the car in front of you for every 10 miles per hour that you are driving? Keeping that rule going can reduce Shockwave traffic jams, a phenomena that is at the root of most traffic jams and many rear endings on crowded roads.
2. Reduce your speed. Trying to get somewhere more quickly than everyone around you just doesn't work and is dangerous. Speed also affects your fuel economy: every 5 mph over 60 will cost you an additional $.30 according to the EPA.
3. Motorcycles are increasing on the roads and accidents will increase if car drivers do not stay aware. Constantly checking rear and side mirrors for bikes "splitting lanes" (driving between lanes of cars) is more essential than ever. Getting caught by surprise by a bike suddenly cutting in front of you is sure to start a shockwave traffic jam.

Less traffic is always a good thing but for those times when you have to be on the road with everyone else, safety is essential.

Stumble It!