Whether you are taking a vacation road trip or commuting from home to work and back, it is smart to plan your route. Careful planning can help you minimize fuel costs and driving time and maximize enjoyment, safety, and efficiency.
The best route to travel is not always “as the crow flies,” or the shortest distance from point A to point B. For example, it may be a good idea to avoid left-hand turns whenever possible, even when this leads to a slightly longer route. Many accidents at intersections involve drivers executing left-hand turns against oncoming traffic. Turning left often includes waiting for a safe gap in the traffic, leading to higher fuel consumption and expense. More importantly, right turns are significantly safer to execute than left turns.
On a road trip, there may be multiple locations you plan to visit along the way. If you are commuting from work to home, there may be other stops you need to make en route, such as the grocery store, the dry cleaners, or a gas station. Every stop you plan to make should be factored into planning your route. To decrease your drive time, cluster your destinations, and plan the most efficient route, including all points from departure to the final destination.
Work zones are common on our roadways, particularly in the spring and summer months. Typically, each state’s transportation department lists construction projects and road conditions on its website. If you are commuting to and from work, check your state’s site frequently for forewarning of possible delays. If you are planning a road trip, check the websites of every state through which your route will take you.
Routes that involve congested traffic can add significant driving time and run up your fuel expenses, not to mention your blood pressure! Whenever possible, plan your trip to avoid rush hour traffic. If you must travel during rush hour, choose alternative routes to help avoid being caught in a traffic jam. Listen to the radio for live traffic updates to help you choose the best route. You can also install a navigation app on your phone that can analyze traffic in real-time and calculate the fastest route available under the circumstances.
It is a fact of life in the 21st century that car accidents are a common occurrence on America’s roadways. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 6,734,000 traffic crashes occurred in the U.S. in a recent year. Of these accidents, 33,654 were fatal, and 1,894,000 involved nonfatal injuries. Whether you are commuting to and from work or planning a trip that involves crossing state lines, it is vital to safeguard your investment in your vehicle and protect yourself against liability or harm coming to you or your passengers. Our experienced agent can help ensure you are protected with the auto insurance coverage you need.