Most Canadians spend a lot of time on the road, either driving to work each day, or traveling for business or recreational reasons. Today, with the relatively easy access for young people and those of almost any degree of financial means to automobiles, traffic congestion has become a fact of life on city roads.

Inevitably, such situations result in accidents where people, property and vehicles are damaged. Commuting is a chore that people don’t really enjoy and as a result, their concentration levels can vary, leading to mishaps. Canada’s large cities like Toronto are perennially busy and there’s hardly a time when the roads are completely empty. When accidents happen, they give rise to complex medical, legal and insurance issues. An experienced Brampton car accident lawyer can assist you.

Following some simple safety tips can make all the difference to your driving experience. It can also ensure that you remain safe and share the road responsibly with other road users.

Safety In Heavy Traffic

Expect the Unexpected: Lane closures, traffic diversions, bad weather, road-works, large public events and gatherings can lead to unexpected congestion on your familiar route. Maintain safe distance from other vehicles, practice defensive driving. Provide enough buffer time to cater to possible traffic congestion, start out a little earlier. It’s important to stay focused and calm whatever the environment, so that you and your family can avoid injuries.

Road Rage: Nearly 8 out of 10 Canadians admit that they have felt and exhibited road-rage at some time. Road-rage behaviors include speeding, using profanity, yelling, lewd gestures, tail-gating another vehicle when you feel the driver has behaved rudely, cutting people off, risky lane-changes etc. Any kind of heightened emotions while driving is hazardous and anger can lead to bad decisions that endanger not just your safety but that of other road users as well.

Avoid/Ignore Provocation: Don’t respond in kind to other drivers who display road-rage behaviors. Avoid honking at them or engaging in competitive behavior.

Calm Yourself Down: If you’re feeling anxious or stressed in heavy traffic because you have an appointment to keep, ensure that you take deep breaths, focus on reaching your destination safely and make arrangements like calling ahead to inform people that you may be delayed. Listen to soothing music. This is important in heavy traffic, as other kinds of music can stimulate and energize you more. Often, car-pooling with friends helps to keep the atmosphere light and stress-free.

Tech Savvy: Use smartphone apps that tell you what the traffic situation is, so that you can plan your route accordingly. Sometimes a longer route may be less congested and can get you to your destination more easily, quickly and in a better frame of mind.

Accidents are not always “accidental.” Most of them are preventable and avoidable, being caused by someone’s fault or negligence. Unfortunately, they give rise to enormous physical, financial and emotional consequences for injured victims and their families. If you or a dear one has been injured in a motor-vehicle accident, contact the nearest personal injury lawyer in Brampton. You may be entitled to compensation.