Summer is a fun time of year, especially for those who love amusement parks in Illinois. Getting to the park can be just as dangerous as some of the most wicked rides, though. With many vehicles present, backed-up traffic can be difficult to handle as you approach the park. In the parking lot, those in a rush put pedestrians in danger, too.
The last thing anyone wants is for a fun day to turn out to be a nightmare. Here’s some helpful information on how to make backed-up traffic less stressful and safer for everyone in your vehicle.
1. Be prepared for the stop-and-go flow of traffic
To start with, you should always be prepared for the stop-and-go traffic that surrounds theme parks. It’s a reality that there could be thousands of people trying to arrive at the same time, so traffic is bound to be slow while people pull into the amusement park’s entrance and parking lot.
This traffic will only get worse with fender-benders and crashes that happen because drivers don’t pay attention. Be prepared by making sure everyone in your vehicle goes to the bathroom and has something to eat near to the destination but before traffic gets congested. That way, you won’t feel rushed as you handle the traffic.
2. Fuel up
Another thing you need to do to make the time in the car less frustrating is to fuel up. No one wants to be waiting in lines of traffic only to notice that their fuel is low. Fill up before you wait, so you can reduce the risk of stalling out in traffic.
3. Be patient
The best thing you can do to avoid crashes is to be patient with others. If a driver is trying to merge, give them the space to do so instead of passing them by. If your lane is going slower than others, don’t rush to move over. Wait until there’s a gap in traffic large enough to accommodate your vehicle, so you don’t slow down that lane’s flow.
Overall, the best ways to reduce crashes are just to pay attention, be prepared and to be patient. People can’t wait to have fun at parks, but if they’re in too much of a rush, they can put themselves and others in harm’s way. Remember, slowing down reduces the force in a collision, too, so if you do get into a crash, your injuries will likely be less serious than if you’d been moving faster.
Whether you were injured as a pedestrian or were involved in a vehicle collision, it is wise to seek the guidance of a skilled personal injury attorney. Don’t hesitate to explore your legal options after an accident.