Preparing for the Commute Post-Lockdown

A few people will be happy to get out of the house and go back to work, even if it means a commute. However, for most of us, the idea of having to commute to the office for work is less than appealing.

There are psychological barriers to overcome, fears of exposure to COVID-19 on public transportation, and the realization that commute time is a waste of time, regained when working from home.

Many corporations know that most remote workers prefer to stay working at home if their job allows it. A PwC survey reported that 72% of remote workers would like to work from home at least two days each week, even if they are permitted to go back to work at the office. Of those surveyed, 32% said they would like to work from home all the time and permanently.

For workers, working from home increases autonomy and job flexibility. For companies, remote workers have higher productivity levels and lower costs. Nevertheless, some jobs benefit greatly from in-person interactions with others. Other jobs, like personal care (hairstyling and such), must happen in person.

The Hazards of Taking Public Transportation

For those who take public transportation to work, the commute carries the additional risk of exposure to COVID-19. Even fully vaccinated people can become infected when exposed to the virus in the closed quarters of public transportation. To completely avoid this risk, some may turn to driving themselves in a private vehicle instead.

Traffic Changes

There may be significant changes in traffic patterns that require adjustments. Some routes may be overly impacted and slower. Other ways may have fewer vehicles. The level of traffic congestion may shift. Commuters should allow for extra time to accommodate these changes when first returning to work at the office.

Dangers on the Road

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that while traffic was considerably less during the lockdown period of the pandemic, fatalities went up. There is no certainty about what caused this. It could have been that drivers were more reckless with fewer vehicles on the roads or that distracted driving was more of a problem than usual.

Mechanical Issues

If you plan to drive a vehicle that was sitting idle for quite some time, it is good to take it to a mechanic first for servicing and maintenance. Be sure the oil and filters are changed, the tires have the correct pressure, check the battery, fill the gas tank has new gasoline, the engine has a tune-up, and the steering, lights, turn signals, and brakes are working properly.

Exercise Caution When Driving

Two things to keep in mind when getting back on the road. You may be a bit out of practice and need to pay more attention to your driving. The same goes for others. They may be out of practice also, in a hurry, or prone to road rage and violence. You need to have your defensive driving skills in top form.

Call a personal injury attorney at (281) 475-4535 for a free consultation if you get into an accident.