|
 Its
the bane of Southern California. Every day,
millions of commuters face congested
freeways, stress, accidents, smog, and the
threat of road rage. Dr. David Rizzo also
known as DR. ROADMAP -- examined the causes
behind the regions traffic jams, the
effects on health and offered tips on how to
avoid tie-ups at the March 20 Randall Lewis
Seminar Series.
The Riverside/San Bernardino area ranks high
in traffic congestion, pollution and
accidents, Rizzo said, and the daily commute
can raise blood pressure, increase heart
rate and lead to more serious health
problems.
Commuters can relieve stress by leaving
early, eating a snack, creating a relaxing
atmosphere by tuning to easy listening
music and carpooling with others to share
the driving load, Dr. Rizzo said.
To avoid being a victim of road rage, never
drive slow in the fast lane, always use turn
signals and never tailgate or honk your
horn, Dr. Rizzo suggested. If another driver
does challenge you, never make eye contact
or pull over, he said.
Road trips can be more enjoyable and quicker
if more motorists look up their destination
on a map before starting out, are aware of
alternate routes, and listen to traffic
reports before leaving and while on the
road, Dr. Rizzo said.
Dr. Rizzo is a podiatrist and former studio
and helicopter traffic reporter. He is the
author of two books, Survive the Drive!
How to Beat Freeway Traffic in Southern
California, and Freeway Alternates.
He has also written approximately 400
newspaper and magazine stories on commuting,
and is the current traffic columnist for the
Orange County Register weeklies. He also
holds a credential in Transportation Demand
Management from UCLA and has worked as a
rideshare planner for a transportation
engineering firm.
For more of Dr. Rizzos driving tips, see
his slide presentation
here.
(pdf; 396 KB)
|
