Driving a truck is no easy task, but doing so in rush hour traffic makes it even more difficult. While no driver likes rush hour, there’s no denying it’s more complicated for those behind the wheel of a big rig.
Roads are crowded, and people often drive recklessly in an effort to get home faster. While many things are out of your control, rush hour is something you might be able to plan around. We know that rush hour is typically between 5 and 6pm on work days, so your best bet is to just avoid driving during that time altogether. However, we know that it’s not always feasible. If there’s no way around driving through rush hour traffic, follow our tips below to make sure you and your truck are safe.
Pro Tips to Survive Rush Hour Traffic
- Familiarize Yourself With the Area: Every major city has their own traffic patterns. Doing a little research before you arrive could be a huge help. Check out forums, Facebook groups, or any other platform locals use to get an idea of what you’ll be facing.
- Stay in Your Lane: While it may seem like a good idea to jump lanes, you’re actually putting yourself at risk. It’s safer to choose a lane and stick to it. Moving back and forth won’t get you to your destination any faster but you can count on it to stress you out more.
- Mind Blind Spots: As a trucker, you already know about the importance of checking blind spots, but it’s even more important to do so during rush hour. Because people are antsy to get home, they often jump lanes and forego the recommended spacing. Don’t let the mistakes of others cost you.
- Stay Informed: Using your radio or checking traffic apps, like Waze, are great ways to know what’s going on around you, in addition to expected wait times and best routes. Apps like Waze are crowdsourced. That means drivers get the best routes based on daily community input from other drivers in the area.
- Remain Calm: Sitting in traffic can have terrible effects on your physical and mental health, like making you too tired to drive or adding unnecessary stress. Avoid getting upset, or drowsy by using this time to call a loved one, or listen to your favorite podcast.
- Take a Break Before: If you know you can’t avoid driving during rush hour then prepare yourself by taking a small break before. Even stopping and walking around for 10 minutes and eating a high protein snack can help you from going stir crazy during rush hour.
Driving in rush hour is frustrating and often times inevitable. Make your job easier by practicing safe driving and by paying attention to other drivers. If you follow these tips, we’re sure that you’ll get through rush hour safely.
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