Cleveland is a large city, so it’s usually set up for busy traffic patterns. Unfortunately, since it does have some of the only routes to popular places by Lake Erie or out of the city and onward to Toledo or Akron, it can become congested.
It’s not uncommon to see serious car crashes in Cleveland and on routes heading out of the city. There are some things you can do to protect yourself and try to prevent a crash, though, which you should keep in mind as you travel.
Traveling in congestion: 3 tips
There are several tips that can help you get from point A to point B safely when traffic is congested. Here are three that are particularly helpful.
- Map your route in advance
The first tip is to map your route in advance. Using a GPS unit or your smartphone, type in your destination. Look for construction or signs of collisions.
You might have to take a longer alternative route, but doing so might help you avoid sitting in traffic or getting into a crash during one of the busiest times of the year.
- Plan for extra drive time
If you’re in a hurry, you’re more likely to have trouble in traffic because of speeding or trying to maneuver around slower drivers. Instead of feeling like you need to rush, plan extra time during your drive. Traffic may be slower, so plan an extra 10 or 20 minutes to help you get to your destination on time safely.
- Be prepared for traffic jams
Another helpful tip is to be prepared for traffic jams. Go to the bathroom before you leave home, bring a snack and water, fuel up before you drive and stay alert to your surroundings. Traffic jams slow everyone down, and it’s possible you could see more road rage than usual. Stay alert, so you can let people over or get off the highway at an exit whenever there is an opportunity to do so.
These tips can help you stay safer if you’re caught up in a traffic jam. If you do get into a collision, call 911 and try to pull your vehicle to the side of the road.