One of the most dangerous routines workers have is commuting. Driving to and from work every day increases the risk of getting involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Even if your commute is necessary, do what you can to minimize the risk of collisions.
Avoid dangerous roads
Traffic-heavy roads like the 405 and the I-5 are particularly dangerous, especially during rush hour. Traffic becomes congested, increasing the risk of collisions. Wherever possible, try using backroads to and from work. Take time to get familiar with those roads, too, so that you know what to expect.
Adjust your hours
Changing your work hours to avoid rush hour can be a lifesaver. However, not everyone has that flexibility. At the very least, make sure you wake up early enough to feel alert when you are driving to work. In terms of its level of risk, driving while tired is comparable to driving drunk.
Change your transportation
Public transportation is statistically involved in far fewer accidents than standard automobiles, so using public transit to commute can help keep you safe. If you have your own car, make sure it has excellent safety features and proper insurance coverage.
Move closer to work
If possible, relocate. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American spends an average of one hour commuting to and from work every day. Being on the road for five hours out of the week certainly increases the risk of a collision. You can mitigate this risk by reducing your commute.
With some simple changes to your routine or living situation, you can make your commute safer.