When we conduct lessons between 4-6pm, we notice a difference in driving. Drivers seem to be in more of a rush to get to where they are going. Consequently, the roads become more challenging to navigate. The following are suggestions that can help you with driving in rush hour;
- Stay calm, breathe, try to have good posture in your seat so you are ready to react
- Make good scans and shoulder checks when passing through or turning in an intersection
- Remember that in rush hour, there are vehicles that will tend to not make full stops but rolling turns , and will beat the red light so scanning before proceeding from a stop position is key
- Be defensive, avoid a crash situation even though it is not your fault
- Stay calm, breathe
- There is a higher volume of cyclists and pedestrians, good scans and shoulder checks is a must when going through intersections and making turns. and when there are bike lanes and crosswalks.
- Try to maintain a safe following distance and try to not to box yourself in when driving beside traffic, always strive to have space around your car, think of a chessboard
- When approaching a stale green light, check your rear mirror to be aware of cars behind you. Cover your brake and approach at a safe speed. If you are not past the point of no return, it is much safer to slow down and stop when you are approaching at a safe speed
- There are vehicles that will change lanes abruptly will no signal, keep your eyes moving as so you see the big picture.
- Communicate, always show your intention
- Stay calm, breathe
Please contact Victoria Driving School at www.victoriadrivingschool.ca or victoriadrivers@gmail.com if you have any questions or for help navigating rush hour traffic.