Christmas is fast approaching, and with the end of the school year not too far away, coupled with the frantic need to shop for presents, roads across the UK are going to be filling with more and more drivers. For those who’s job is on the road, this time of year can be a struggle in frustration and traffic jams as a result, so what can you do to help cope with the increased number of drivers on the road?
If you’ve got the time, often at a premium when delivering, try to leave as much time as possible between jobs, particularly for those destinations in city centres. Scheduling can be a problem, especially if increased traffic hasn’t been taken in to consideration, and journeys can end up taking longer if shopping areas are consistently along your route.
Alternatively, alter your route as much as possible to avoid areas that are going to be problematic at this time of year. Anywhere near a large shopping centre, city business district or along main high streets with all the associated shopping opportunities and traffic should be avoided if at all possible. Try to balance the fine line of taking too long on a delivery with the need to avoid traffic issues, and remember, sat navs often offer alternative routes if you get stuck whilst out on a delivery job.
It’s not just increased traffic due to the time of year that’s going to cause problems, but also the conditions of the roads and how those drivers adapt to them. Most domestic drivers, used to driving to and from work locally, have little to no real experience driving in adverse conditions, especially when frustrated from traffic build-ups. Keep your eyes open for people not paying attention and potential hazards such as ice or snow on the road that could cause problems for inexperienced winter drivers. Irate drivers are more prone to spur of the moment decisions that can potentially cause accidents, be vigilant so that you’re not caught up in their mistakes.