The roads of Chicago can be unbearable to drive at times. There’s just so much traffic that you have nowhere to go and it seems like it’s only getting worse. Because of the traffic, you need to know how to anticipate issues with other drivers and road hazards. This is part of defensive driving, which is an incredibly important trait to have no matter your experience level as a driver.

First and foremost, you need to eliminate the distractions from your trip. This is especially true when it comes to using a handheld device of any kind, including a GPS device. Taking your eyes off the road to check the GPS or send a text message can lead to an accident within seconds.

Force yourself to scan as far ahead of you as possible. When driving in the city, this is typically no more than two blocks ahead as there is so much to look out for. You will want to try to spot road hazards, animals, broken down cars, accidents and other issues that can cause you trouble so you can maneuver out of the way.

It is very common for cars to be involved in a rear-end collision if they change lanes often. Not so much for those that stay in their lane as much as possible. Do not change lanes often, even if you are trying to get somewhere and there’s a lot of traffic. It only increases your chances at getting into an accident.

Being involved in an accident can change your life forever. An experienced Chicago personal injury attorney can help explain the next steps after a car accident so you know what to expect.

Source: Seattle Auto, “Ten Easy Tips for Defensive Driving,” accessed Aug. 11, 2017