How To Drive Safely In Traffic
Navigating through traffic congestion can be intimidating to many drivers, and the tension it creates can affect your performance on the road. Driving in heavy traffic usually requires more concentration and skill to keep up with your surroundings and driving conditions. This can be daunting, especially to inexperienced drivers.
Below, professional instructors from LTrent Driving School provide safety tips for successfully driving through heavy traffic.
Our Top Tips And Advice For Safe Driving in Traffic
1. Drive Defensively
Defensive driving can help you navigate traffic congestion by allowing you to anticipate potential hazards and react more quickly and safely. This includes scanning ahead to be aware of sudden stops, hazardous situations, lane changes, and other emergency situations. You should also:
- Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead
- Watch out for potential blind spots
- Avoid tailgating
- Recognise vehicles that appear unsafe, like those drifting within a lane or speeding
- Avoid driving while tired
- Follow the flow of traffic
2. Avoid Distractions
Distractions, whether it’s from passengers or any gadget you’re using, can increase the risk of a crash when driving in heavy traffic. Furthermore, distracted driving can lead to poor decision-making, a lack of awareness of the environment, and slow reaction times.
As a result, it can cause dangerous situations on the road, especially in high-traffic areas where vehicles are constantly changing lanes, merging, and making sudden stops.
Try to limit distractions by turning off your phone, requesting your passengers to quieten down, or turning the volume of your music down. By limiting or avoiding distractions, you can maintain your focus and remain vigilant to potential hazards on the road.
3. Take Advantage of Gaps
To successfully navigate traffic congestion, you need to learn how to use gaps in the traffic. However, this doesn’t mean you should cut other drivers off or squeeze into the tiniest gap possible.
Be observant and identify any space created by other cars and pull into it quickly and safely. Use turn signals and change lanes, accelerate, or merge safely while keeping an eye on your surroundings.
4. Pay Attention To Traffic Congestion In The Distance
If you are drawing near a crowded area of the road, take your foot off the accelerator and let friction slow your vehicle. You can also brake to reduce speed when approaching traffic. That way, you can control your speed and save fuel. This will also allow the traffic ahead to break up before you reach it.
5. Prepare For Unfavorable Weather Conditions
Preparing for bad weather conditions allows you to anticipate potential hazards and plan how to avoid them. For example, you may need to take proper precautions if visibility is poor.
Drive more slowly and leave more space between your car and other vehicles if it’s rainy. You may also want to take an alternative route to avoid areas that may be prone to dangerous conditions.
Need More Tips For Driving Safely In Heavy Traffic? Talk To Us Today
At LTrent Driving School, we can help you learn and practice in heavy traffic sections. Contact us at (02) 8748 4500 to learn more, or book the Safer Drivers Course for tailored training with a professional instructor.