Getting to work through the worst of the weather? Trying to stick to your schedule can feel difficult when you’ve got rush hour traffic to contend with. Whether you’re driving or cycling to work, keeping yourself safe is always the most important thing to do.
No matter the distance, it’s always worth knowing a few practical tips and strategies to help you breeze through the commute.
City traffic: What’s the big deal?
City traffic poses a risk to the environment and to human health. As a result of noise pollution, living in areas of high traffic can cause stress and poor sleep, with new research pointing to an increased risk of serious problems like heart disease too.
Emissions increase the risk. Particulate matter alongside toxic gases like carbon monoxide pollute natural and urban environments. Evidence now suggests that years of breathing polluted air increases death rates in towns, cities, and local neighbourhoods too.
For those on the commute, traffic adds an unavoidable inconvenience. Congestion on urban roads causes longer journey times – and therefore frustration too. As the traffic increases, cars pose a risk to pedestrians and cyclists, with this risk increasing in poor weather conditions and low visibility.
5 easy ways to make your winter commute easier
1. Travel at the best times
Wherever possible, to avoid travelling at rush hour. Peak periods on the roads not only increase the risk of accident but will be highly likely to increase your journey time too. If your job allow flexible working hours, opting to start and finish early could be one way to guarantee a smoother time on the roads.
2. Use smart navigation apps
Whether it’s on your dashboard entertainment system or a Garmin bike computer on your handlebars, you can use navigational apps and software to make your journey easier. These can be programmed to find you the quickest routes, shortcuts, or even to avoid main roads entirely in favour of quieter lanes.
3. Follow good driving habits
Traffic can be frustrating but it’s imperative to stay calm and drive carefully. In busy or congested areas, try to make sure that you’re checking your mirrors frequently and giving way to vehicles that might be trying to leave a junction or driveway. As always, respect traffic lights and zebra crossings, leaving plenty of time for pedestrians to cross safely as stated in the Highway Code.
4. Keep things covered
Driving without insurance is never a good idea. If you have any sort of accident or cause damage to someone else’s vehicle, being uninsured could carry serious financial or even legal consequences. It’s never worth the risk, so if you’re borrowing someone else’s vehicle, one-day car insurance could be an essential layer of protection.
5. Leave plenty of time for your journey
Finally, you should remember that being in a rush is likely to leave you feeling stressed and impatient. Try to keep your cool by allowing plenty of time for your journey, which will also help you to drive safely and at an appropriate speed. You should only give your full concentration to the road, but if you’re running late, this might feel much harder.
