When you plug a route into your vehicle’s satnav, it will typically show you the fastest route. Most of us want to get where we are going quickly.
Yet the fastest route could end up being the slowest route if you are involved in a crash. Hence it’s worth considering altering your route choice at times.
New drivers should avoid busy roads
Let’s say your teenager has just learned to drive. Do you really want them going shoulder-to-shoulder with the trucks on the interstate? Or would you feel safer having them take the quieter back roads, with less traffic? At their age and with their lack of experience, they will make mistakes, and it’s better to do that somewhere where the consequences are less likely to be fatal.
Avoid schools at entry and exit time
These zones can be very congested, so they are often not efficient. They are also areas where crashes can easily occur. Parents dropping their kids off in the morning are often distracted and stressed, so not driving at their best. Also, kids do not have great road sense, and the last thing you want is a child running out in front of your car.
Consider reducing your left turns
Some delivery companies have their satnavs set up to avoid drivers making left turns because studies show they are more dangerous. They’ve also found that while more rights might seem inefficient, it can actually save on fuel as you spend less time sitting at intersections.
Driving is a risky activity and careful route choices can help keep you safe, but they cannot guarantee it as not all road users treat driving with the respect it deserves. If one of them injures you, you’ll need to learn more about your compensation options.