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Which is better - to arrive 5 minutes early or to be 5 minutes late?

It seems like the same few minutes, but what a different emotional state they create. When you arrive earlier than necessary, you can usually wait. The time reserve allows the driver to feel in control of the situation: decisions are calmer, movement is more deliberate. When you are even five minutes late, the sense of control disappears, a sense of urgency sets in, and the risk of mistakes increases.

Why "+5 minutes" is calming

With time to spare, every obstacle on the road – be it a red light, a slower car, or a group of pedestrians – becomes a normal part of the journey, rather than another challenge to the daily schedule. The driver’s thoughts can be focused on the road, not the clock. It is then easier to pass, wait, keep your distance, and avoid getting involved in pointless arguments.

When you are late, your mood changes: safety priorities are pushed aside, you try to “push back” time – you change lanes more often, brake more suddenly, and check your phone hastily. This state significantly increases the likelihood of mistakes and disregard for traffic rules.

Urban mathematics: speed is not everything

In the city, the pace of movement is determined not only by the speed limit, but also by traffic lights, intersections, pedestrian traffic, roadworks and other drivers. Even if you increase your average speed by a few kilometres per hour, the minutes you gain are often “dissolved” at the nearest traffic light or when you change lanes. Meanwhile, if you leave at least five minutes earlier than necessary, you can often overtake the heaviest traffic wave – and get there in the same time or even faster, but without stress.

The one who does not rush drives safer.

Calmness directly reduces risk factors: a two-second distance is maintained, there is no need to wander across lanes, and there is less temptation to “quickly” check alternative routes on the phone screen. Most technical accidents in traffic jams occur due to ignoring distance and reckless queuing. When you are no longer in a hurry, these mistakes simply do not occur.

How to create your own five-minute backup

It all starts not in the car, but at home. Your backpack or bag is ready the night before, your keys are in their place, and your outerwear is within easy reach. It’s worth choosing an “earlier” departure time, not an “ideal” one. It’s worth remembering that navigation apps usually calculate the duration of your trip from the moment you start driving, not from the moment you lock your door, so add those few minutes until you get in the car and drive off. Turn on the navigation while you’re still standing – you’ll see the real duration and can choose your route calmly. If you have a busy day, have a backup plan: think about an alternative route, a further but reliable place to leave your car.

Simple things can help maintain your emotional state: switching your phone notifications to silent mode, taking a few calm breaths at a red light, starting a regular playlist. Your body and mind are clear – everything is in order, there is no need to rush.

What if you are late?

Sometimes things happen like this: road repairs, traffic accidents, bad weather. In such cases, accept the fact that you will be late, inform those waiting, choose a safe pace and follow the rules. If an incident occurs, first take care of people and your own safety, record the circumstances, fill out a declaration and do not forget to notify the insurer.

Peace is key

The difference between arriving five minutes early and being five minutes late isn’t just ten minutes. It’s the difference between calm and haste, between thoughtful driving and haphazard decisions. Five minutes early is the easiest and cheapest way to drive safer and feel better every day.

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