For most modern professionals, a commute is a necessary part of their career. With the exception of remote employees, most workers have to be physically present at a business’s facilities to do their jobs. They may spend 30 minutes or more traveling to and from work every day.
The commute to work can be a source of frustration, as it burns through what could be a professional’s free time. Commutes also expose workers to risk, as any miles traveled in heavy traffic put them at risk of a collision. Commuters may actually have a higher degree of crash risk than they realize.
What makes commuting so dangerous?
The timing of the daily commute
Those who work first-shift jobs may find themselves in traffic at one of the most dangerous times of the day. Between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekday afternoon is the second most dangerous time to drive according to the National Safety Council.
Those who work second or third-shift jobs might find themselves commuting during the most dangerous time to drive, which is after the sun sets. Being on the road at times when crash risk is higher than average might mean that workers end up injured on their way to or from their jobs.
The likelihood of distraction
Workers on their way home after a long day at the office might receive last-minute call from their supervisor or an email from a client. Those attempts to communicate can become dangerous distractions in traffic.
Carpooling can also be a dangerous distraction, as conversations with other passengers can lead to people failing to monitor traffic. Even the desire to multitask, possibly by eating breakfast or drinking coffee on the way to work, can distract from traffic safety and increase someone’s risk of causing a wreck. Commuters generally need to leave sufficient time to get to their jobs without speeding and need to avoid handling mobile devices on their way to and from their jobs.
Individuals involved in car crashes may need help seeking compensation for injury-related expenses, lost wages and vehicle damage. Understanding what makes commuting dangerous can help people avoid collisions or help them strengthen their claim for compensation after a crash that occurs despite their best efforts at remaining safe.