I love New York. However, the everyday commuting hazards we face cause many headaches. Listen, New York State is a great place to visit and an even better place to live, for sure. However, commuting is often the least favorite thing for New York residents.
The everyday commuting hazards New Yorkers handle
Here are some of the everyday hazards that we might encounter on our daily commutes and a few ways to make it a little bit easier and safer.
Traffic Congestion
According to a recent report, New York City is the third most congested city in the world, in regards to traffic, and the second worst in the U.S. Surprised? Neither are we. If you’ve ever had to drive into the city for an appointment or for some other errand, you know that you need to make sure you are giving yourself enough time.
In the same report from INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, New York drivers spend around 91 hours in traffic every year. Given the size of the city and the number of people who reside in and visit every year, traffic congestion is no surprise. As drivers, we also need to consider that there is a lot of pedestrian traffic that can slow down commute times.
Traffic congestion is a commuting headache all over the world. What can you do? You can try to work from home more often, try to avoid scheduling appointments around rush hours, and utilize mass transit more.
Impaired Drivers
Drinking and driving accidents are some of the most preventable roadway accidents, but each year a drug or alcohol-impaired driver is responsible for a fatality in the New York State.
Data from 2011 and 2016 claims the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 87 alcohol-related crashes in Suffolk County. Sadly, that’s the most crashes per county in the whole state during that time period.
Other than pledging to stay sober behind the wheel, you can avoid driving during the late night and early morning hours on the weekends (which is the most dangerous time).
Stress and Fatigue
Spending so much time commuting is not good for your physical and mental health. If you get up early to beat the rush, you’re robbing yourself of valuable sleep. If you stay at work a little later to avoid traffic, you’re missing time to:
- eat a healthy dinner
- spend time with family
- relax at home
Stress and fatigued drivers are at a risk of an involvement in an accident. Why? Because they’re drowsy, and exhibit “road rage.” If you fall under either category, it’s time to reassess your work, driving, and home schedule.
Ask yourself:
- What can I do to streamline some tasks?
- Can I work from home a few days a week?
Perhaps adjust a few things, improving your life during and outside of work:
- make sure to eat healthily
- consider deep stretching exercises during work breaks
- get a full night’s rest (even if it means skipping an episode on Netflix)
Distracted Drivers
Despite the efforts to crack down on distracted drivers and make laws more strict, distracted drivers continue to be a commuting hazard. Whether you’re trying to break up an argument between your kids on the way to school or you glance down at your phone to see who’s calling, you are a distracted driver.
Some ways to combat the distractions:
- put your phone out of reach
- use an app that blocks receiving; making calls, or texts
You need to remain focused on the road, even if checking social media during traffic tempts you!
Author Bio: Matt Rhoney is an avid reader on trending topics, and a writer in his spare time. He enjoys writing pieces on health, fitness, and wellness, but often writes about family, and safety.
