Heavy traffic can feel overwhelming, so staying alert and mindful can help make the experience safer and smoother. Simple mistakes often escalate into accidents or road rage, so knowing what to avoid is key to avoiding dangerous encounters. In this post, we’ll take a look at a few things you should never do in heavy traffic.
Tailgate Other Vehicles
Sticking too closely to the car in front might feel like you’re making progress, but it’s actually very risky. In heavy traffic, sudden braking is common, and you’ll have little time to react. Even at low speeds, rear-end collisions can cause damage, delays, and disputes. Trusted Training and Compliance states that by leaving space in front of you, you will protect you “and your passengers from being involved in a collision.”
Cut Across Lanes Without Signaling
Without predictable movements, heavy traffic can become very dangerous. Swerving into another lane without using your indicators confuses other drivers and increases the chance of accidents. In bumper-to-bumper conditions, cars often sit in blind spots, making unannounced lane changes even riskier. Always use your signals, check your mirrors, and glance over your shoulder before making a move. A second of preparation could save lives.
Check Your Phone
It’s tempting to use heavy traffic as a chance to respond to a quick text or scroll through notifications. However, even looking away for a moment means you’re not fully aware of your surroundings. Traffic changes suddenly, so you could miss brake lights, a merging vehicle, or a pedestrian. Instead, just use hands-free features, or wait until you’re safely parked to text your friends.
Block Junctions
If you stop in the middle of an intersection, you could disrupt the entire flow of traffic. You not only frustrate other drivers but also risk fines or penalties in some areas. When approaching a junction, make sure there’s enough room to cross it completely before you continue driving. If not, wait until it’s clear to avoid holding up traffic.
Blast Loud Music
Music can make traffic less tedious, but blasting it at full volume puts you and others at risk. You might not hear important sounds like sirens from emergency vehicles, honking horns, or even the bell from a passing cyclist. Keeping the volume at a moderate level ensures you stay connected to the road environment while enjoying your tunes.
Ignore Merging Cars
Merging lanes are inevitable in heavy traffic, whether due to construction or lane reductions. If you don’t let a car merge in front of you, it may feel like you’re saving time, but it actually slows everyone down. Traffic studies show that “zipper merging,” where drivers alternate turns to merge, is the most efficient method for everyone. So, be patient and cooperative, because it keeps tempers calm and traffic flowing.
Stay in the Wrong Lane
If you end up in the wrong lane, it can create chaos for yourself and others. For example, lingering in a turn-only lane when you intend to go straight forces last-minute, dangerous lane changes. Pay attention to road signs, GPS instructions, and lane markings ahead of time. If you miss your turn or exit, don’t panic—just take the next one instead!
Brake Hard for No Reason
Sudden braking is not only annoying for those behind you, it also disrupts traffic flow. In slow-moving traffic, hard stops are often unnecessary and increase the risk of rear-end collisions. Instead, focus on maintaining a steady pace and anticipate the movement of vehicles ahead. If you can do this, it will keep everyone moving safely and it helps prevent unnecessary delays.
Use the Hard Shoulder
Driving on the hard shoulder to bypass congestion might seem like a clever shortcut, but it’s illegal and highly dangerous. This lane is reserved for emergencies, such as breakdowns or vehicles needing immediate assistance. Blocking it could delay emergency responders or force stranded drivers into precarious situations. Stick to the regular lanes, no matter how long the wait.
Get Distracted by Scenery or Billboards
Bright billboards, roadside attractions, or even a beautiful sunset can easily pull your attention away from the road. While a quick glance might seem harmless, distractions can cause you to miss critical changes in traffic. Keep your focus on the vehicles around you and save sightseeing for later. Your full attention is necessary to navigate safely through busy areas.
Forget to Check Blind Spots
Heavy traffic often means vehicles are tightly packed, with cars and motorcycles frequently occupying blind spots. Relying solely on your mirrors can result in dangerous lane changes. Before moving, you should turn your head to check for any vehicles hidden in those blind spots. If you never forget this, you might save yourself from an accident!
Use Aggressive Hand Gestures
A frustrating situation doesn’t give you a free pass to vent at other drivers. Shouting or making rude gestures not only escalates tension, but also distracts you from safely navigating traffic. Instead, focus on staying calm and in control. A polite, level-headed approach ensures your attention stays on the road, not on unnecessary conflicts.
Drive in Neutral
It might seem like a fuel-saving trick, but moving through traffic in neutral actually puts you at a disadvantage. Without the ability to accelerate immediately, you’re less able to react to sudden changes or avoid obstacles. This is why you should keep your car in gear, so you’re always ready to change your speed if you need to move quickly to avoid an accident.
Forget to Use Your Headlights
Low visibility conditions, such as during dusk, rain, or fog, make using your headlights a necessity. Forgetting to turn them on reduces your visibility to other drivers, especially in congested traffic. Make it a habit to use your lights whenever visibility drops, ensuring that everyone on the road can see you clearly.
Honk Excessively
Using your horn to express frustration won’t solve anything and can worsen an already stressful situation. Studies from the National Library of Medicine suggest, that constant honking creates noise pollution for people who live in the area. It also really agitates other drivers, increasing the likelihood of rash decisions or road rage. Save your horn for safety purposes, like warning another driver of imminent danger.
Eat or Drink Behind the Wheel
Whether it’s grabbing a quick bite or sipping coffee, eating and drinking while driving takes your attention away from the road. Heavy traffic demands constant focus, and the time it takes to unwrap a sandwich or find your drink lid could mean missing potential hazards. Wait until you’re parked to satisfy your hunger or thirst, keeping both hands free for the wheel.