A long holiday weekend in Michigan means the opportunity to head up north, even if your “up north” means heading to the west or east. With the joys of a holiday weekend you can also guarantee that there will be heavy traffic.
Driving during heavy traffic is a completely different experience. For those of you who are not used to these driving conditions, here are six tips for safe driving during heavy traffic.
Maintain Your Distance
The rule of thumb for a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you is known as the 3 second rule. The 3 second rule means that when the car in front of you passes a mile marker or some other sort of marker, it should take you 3 seconds to reach that same marker. By maintaining the 3 second rule you will allow yourself more time to break in an emergency situation.
Avoid Tailgating
Tailgating is the act of following the car in front of you too closely. By following step one you will avoid tailgating. Tailgating can be considered a form of road rage and makes for hostile driving situations for you and the cars surrounding you.
Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is critical during heavy traffic. Driving defensively means that you are constantly thinking about potential dangerous situations and anticipating your actions. My Grandpa used to have a saying “worry about the car in front of the car behind you and the car behind the car in front of you”.
Use Your Signal
Anyone who has drove during rush hour or during holiday traffic knows how many “jerks” decide that their blinker is just a fancy looking lever attached near the steering wheel. Don’t be that jerk when you’re driving. People cannot read your mind and do not know what your intentions are. Use your blinker to help other drivers can expect your next move.
Do Not Text
Texting while driving is not only illegal it is dangerous and deadly. If you need to read or write a text don’t be afraid to pullover to the side of the road or take an exit. No text message is worth a life.
Drive with the flow of traffic
Driving at a slower speed is most likely going to be necessary during a heavy traffic situation. Driving slower gives you more time to react to your surroundings. There will also be situations in which the flow of traffic will be moving smoothly at a higher speed. Be aware of your surroundings so you can judge what the flow of traffic is.
These tips will help you from having to call and file a Michigan auto insurance claim. If you do find yourself in need of assistance over the weekend we have our emergency phone numbers for all of our companies listedhere.
Safe travels!
About Spalding Insurance Agency
Spalding Insurance Agency provides exemplary service and access to Michigan's finest insurance companies. We proudly serve the personal and business insurance needs of people in East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett, Lansing, DeWitt, Perry, Detroit, Holt, Mason, Grand Rapids, Laingsburg, Bath, and other great Michigan cities. For a quote on auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance, or life insurance click here.
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