Some people choose their jobs based on how long their commute to work might be. Other people search for housing in particular areas because of the commute to work. It is common for people to devote half an hour or longer each way to get to work every day, which can add up to quite a bit of time and money invested in commuting. Fuel expenses and vehicle maintenance can put pressure on someone’s budget.
Workers do not receive pay for their commute as they are not yet on the job. They may view their drive time as lost or wasted time. Unfortunately, resentment about commuting can lead to people engaging in unsafe behaviors. They might multitask while driving or speed to get to work or back home as quickly as possible. Doing so may elevate the risk that they have to accept while commuting.
Commuting puts people on the road at dangerous times
During the fall, winter and early spring, someone’s morning commute could have them on the road before the sun comes up for the day. Nighttime driving is statistically the most dangerous kind of driving. However, when looking at collision statistics, another time of day is noteworthy for those who regularly commute. Specifically, the afternoon commute is the second most dangerous time of day to drive according to the National Safety Council (NSC). The hours between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. every weeknight are particularly dangerous.
A large number of people commuting home from work increases the likelihood of a crash. Those drivers might distract themselves, experience fatigue after a long day at work or stop for a drink that impairs their ability to drive safely. Those who commute regularly need to monitor their surroundings carefully to minimize their risk of getting into a wreck, especially on their way home from work. In some cases, workers might even want to take alternate routes on the way home from work in the afternoon because of the increased risk of a traffic collision.
Understanding what factors into overall collision risk can help people make more safety-conscious choices in traffic. Commuters who are on the road during high-risk times can protect themselves more effectively if they understand the risks that they’re facing.