Hitting traffic when you’re trying to get home from work or school is stressful and frustrating. We’ve all been there, and it’s an unfortunate part of becoming an adult. No one likes rush hour, and while the heavy traffic is often at a standstill, that doesn’t make it any less dangerous for you to drive in. You still need to be safe when it’s slow.
One of the many things that most young drivers are not taught is how to drive safely in rush-hour traffic. Considering that in terms of car insurance, young drivers are the hardest to insure, you would think it would be one of the core lessons taught. But you have us, and we’re here to give you all the help you need to make rush hour safer.
When is Rush Hour and Can You Avoid It?
Interestingly, rush hour doesn’t actually last for a one-hour period. According to traffic data analysis, rush hour happens twice a day:
- Morning rush hour: 7:30am to 9:30am (busiest at 8am-9am)
- Evening rush hour: 4:00pm to 6:30pm (busiest at 5pm-6pm)
These times can vary slightly between cities, but research shows that Wednesday afternoons are typically the UK’s busiest time of the week for road users. Weekends tend to ebb and flow in terms of busyness on the roads, so you can pretty much isolate rush hour to your weekday drives.
You can try to avoid rush hour by leaving earlier or later than the usual busy periods. However, if you’re working a job that requires you to start and finish within the rush hour timeframe, you’re likely to be fresh out of luck. The only other option you have is to take the long way to work and to get home again (and sometimes this works out faster).
The Difference Between an Automatic and Manual in Heavy Traffic
When you’re driving a manual in heavy traffic, learning clutch control is essential, alongside knowing your car’s biting point. Always keep your right foot close to the accelerator and brake and your left foot right by the clutch so you can react quickly and remain safe. This extra time will also help prevent you from stalling.
Don’t be afraid to keep the car in neutral, and utilise the handbrake as much as possible to help you focus better and give you a little breathing space. Just remember to release the handbrake slowly. Automatic cars are much simpler in heavy traffic as lower gears (D1-D3) will improve your engine efficiency while you’re in traffic.
How to Drive Safely During Rush Hour
We have some tips to help you stay safe on the road when it gets busy. With our advice, you’ll be feeling a lot more comfortable in rush-hour traffic.
Safe and Slow
Remember that everyone in the traffic is in a hurry to get home, and the only way it’s going to go by faster is if you remain safe, calm, and slow. Don’t tailgate, don’t get aggressive, and don’t lose your cool. Road rage kills and driving safely is how you get home.
Stay in Your Lane
Switching lanes during rush hour traffic can actually be very dangerous, and it barely even saves you time. Darting between traffic can cause a serious accident, and it’s just not worth it. As frustrating as it is, stay in your lane and ride out the delays.
Keep Your Distance
You’ll often see cars much closer together than usual in traffic jams, but the reality is that this is a dangerous choice. It makes it more likely for you to have a collision if the car in front brakes too hard, which can cause road rage. It’s much safer to keep your distance and stay patient.
Eyes Forward
Try to look two or three cars ahead so you can calculate any changes in movement or speed while in a traffic jam. It will take your mind off how frustrated you are, and it also means you’ll be able to move smoothly through the traffic (and stop quickly if things change rapidly).
Take the Scenic Route
Why not try taking the long way to or from work to avoid traffic? It might feel as though it takes longer, but by the time you’ve sat in standstill traffic and got to work, the scenic route is usually the faster option. Plus, we all deserve a relaxing journey, and countryside views are some of the best medicine for a stressful day.
Stay Calm
Most importantly, stay calm and stop stressing out. Open the window and let in some fresh air, take a deep breath, and play your favourite tunes through the speakers. Keep yourself relaxed, and traffic will feel way less awful.
Does Defensive Driving Work in Rush Hour Traffic?
Defensive driving is actually a really important skill to utilise in rush hour traffic. It helps keep you safe because you are alert and aware of other drivers, and you’re keeping an eye on their behaviour and reactions to the road. People tend to act more erratically when traffic is at a standstill, and this will help you be prepared for anything that’s thrown at you.
Check your mirrors and keep an eye on blind spots, especially for cyclists and motorcyclists who are more likely to weave in and out of traffic to get ahead. It also allows you to watch out for other car drivers who are making dangerous manoeuvres to try and cut down on their travel time or get out of the traffic.
Research by Admiral shows that almost half of all car crashes on UK roads take place during rush-hour traffic, highlighting the importance of staying alert during these periods.
Key Takeaways
Rush Hour Safety:
- Morning rush hour: 7:30am-9:30am (peak at 8am-9am)
- Evening rush hour: 4:00pm-6:30pm (peak at 5pm-6pm)
- Stay in your lane and maintain safe distances
- Use defensive driving techniques
- Consider alternative routes or travel times
Traffic Management:
- Keep calm and avoid aggressive driving
- Look ahead to anticipate traffic flow
- Use handbrake in manual cars during stop-start traffic
- Leave earlier or later to avoid peak times when possible
For more guidance on building confidence as a new driver, see our article on calming your nerves as a young driver.
Ready to get the right insurance for your driving needs? MyFirst offers competitive rates for young drivers, helping you stay protected whether you’re navigating rush hour traffic or cruising on quiet country roads.
