Tips for a Safer, More Efficient Commute
See also: MindfulnessEven though it's something we do nearly every day, very few of us would refer to commuting as an essential life skill. However, daily commutes take up a significant chunk of our time and can even impact our mood and work performance.
By switching your stressful commute to one that is safer and more eco-friendly, you can boost workplace productivity and live a happier life overall.
Understandably, it's not always easy to change habits, especially if your commute has been the same for a long period of time. The good news is that you can overcome the mental barrier associated with familiar daily routines. Whether you drive, cycle, or take public transit, here are practical tips for a safer, more efficient commute.
4 Strategies to Improve Your Commute
Evaluate Alternative Commuter Habits
Safety and stress concerns are often put to the wayside in favor of time management ideals. You may be resigned to driving because you believe that it's a faster method of transit. That may not be completely accurate, however, especially in major metropolitan areas with regular train or bus services.
No matter where you live, do some research and compare travel time between trains, buses, bicycles, and your personal vehicle during rush hour traffic. The results might surprise you. Alternative commuting options such as bicycles, carpooling, and public transportation are most likely your best bet where both safety and efficiency are concerned.
Protect Your Mental Health During Transit
It's common knowledge that commuting via personal car is a dangerous activity. In the U.S., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports thousands of fatal motor vehicle crashes annually. But driving to and from work also has a major impact on your overall mental health and wellbeing.
Studies show that active commuters who walk, bike, or take public transportation to work feel better, are able to concentrate more, and are under less strain than if they traveled by car. Think of how a high-stress commute via car in heavy traffic can put you in a bad mood before you even get to the office.
If you're resigned to commute via your personal vehicle, you can still maximize efficiency and boost your motivation. Traffic jams can become an opportunity to learn new skills and practice mindfulness, rather than a source of daily frustration. Consider listening to a podcast of positive affirmations or playing an audiobook to put a dent in your reading list without taking your eyes off the road.
Master Yielding and the Rules of the Road
No matter your preferred commuting method, developing safe travel habits is of paramount importance to you and your fellow commuters. A simple lesson that many commuters fail to learn—whether behind the wheel or riding a bicycle—is when to yield.
Drivers should never assume that a pedestrian or cyclist understands or will completely adhere to the Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC). When you're behind the wheel, do your part to keep everyone safe and always be on the lookout for pedestrians crossing the road in an unsafe or unlawful manner.
Due to the inherent dangers of bike commutes, learning the bicycle-centric rules of the road is paramount. For starters, bicycle commuters should always ride with traffic, rather than against it. If you're riding against traffic, drivers making a turn from an intersecting road may not glance in your direction, putting you directly, and unnecessarily, in harm's way.
Consider the Environmental Impact
A solo commute in your personal vehicle might indeed save you a few minutes. But at what cost? Many of us believe that we're doing enough to help stave off the effects of climate change through recycling or using eco-friendly products at home. But if you commute to the office in your personal vehicle every day, those efforts are essentially being wasted.
Cars contribute heavily to road transport-related emissions. A full public bus essentially equates to 40 vehicles off the road, and a full train means that upwards of 500 cars aren't producing emissions. The widespread use of alternative transportation can help reduce emissions by a significant margin.
Adopting a more eco-friendly lifestyle does much more than simply reducing your carbon footprint. You may also learn to open your mind, see the value in the smallest things, and pass on those lessons to your friends, family, and co-workers.
Conclusion
By leaving your car at home and choosing a safer, more eco-friendly commute, you can help make the world a better, and happier, place. Active choices to respect the rules of the road and protect your mental health during transit will transform the daily grind into a productive start to your day.
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About the Author
Magnolia Potter is from the Pacific Northwest and writes from time to time. She prefers to cover a variety of topics and not just settle on one. When Magnolia's not writing, you can find her outdoors or curled up with a good book.