Beating the Rush: How to Best Navigate a Traffic Jam

Posted on by Defensive Driving | in Crash & Burn: Life in the Fastlane, Defensive Driving Online, Driving and Safety Tips, Everyday Driver

 
traffic
 
Driving is an efficient way to get from one place to another, but sometimes traffic takes ahold, and it becomes more frustrating than pleasant. Traffic jams are a fact of life on the road, but that does not mean that we have to always accept them. We put together some of the best ways to avoid or navigate a traffic jam. For more tips, check out our Rush Hour Traffic Cheat Sheet.

avoiding traffic jams

The best way to navigate a traffic jam is obviously to avoid one in the first place, wherever possible. The best way to do this is to:

–Check the roads before you leave. A lot of state departments of transportation have websites that you can check for traffic conditions, or your can use Google Maps on your phone.
–Map out your route before you leave. If you see that there is traffic ahead, map out an alternative before you leave, using back roads.
–Leave plenty of time. Sometimes traffic jams are simply unavoidable, and leaving sufficient time to get to your destination with traffic will help ease your mind.
–Look into other travel options. If public transport is available, or walking is an option, take it.

during traffic jams

Sometimes, however, traffic jams are simply unavoidable. Here are some of the best ways to navigate a traffic jam when you find yourself in one.

–Keep calm and accept your situation. Sitting in traffic can be frustrating, but it’ll be even worse if you let yourself get upset or flustered. Especially as you usually cannot actually do anything about it.
–Look for opportunities for alternate routes. If you use a navigation app, they can sometimes redirect you around the traffic. Or if you know the area, look for other ways around the jam.
–Stay in your lane. It is always tempting to look over and wish you were in the lane next to yours that always seems to be traveling faster. However, traffic will start moving quicker if everyone stays in their lane. Switching constantly might give the illusion of moving faster, but in reality it won’t really help.
–Keep a safe distance from the car in front. Again, it might help you feel like you are making progress to constantly scoot up to the car in front, but congested traffic stops and starts suddenly, making it dangerous to drive too closely.
 
Don’t forget to enter our new giveaway, and win a set of Bose earphones and a car bluetooth kit by liking us on Facebook!
 
Click here to find a course near you
 

|

Customer Reviews

Defensivedriving.com has a ShopperApproved rating of 4.7 based on 124699 ratings and reviews.

Miguel Santiago TX, United States
Great experience and easy
Kari Blalock united states
No issues. Easy to use.
Julio Perozo Wong None, united states
friendly and Easey
Matthew Wells None, united states
It was easy
Cassidy Blake None, united states
User friendly
Juan Morales-Cotto None, united states
Easy process
Dwight Bauermeister united states
Great service
Alejandro Macias united states
So far so good
Vijaya Lella united states
Nice experience. Easy to navigate. Videos are not too boring.
Ty Stanley None, united states
It’s very easy and quick
Tyrone Flowers Jr. None, united states
great
Kolton Smith None, united states
pretty efficient website.
Julio Nazario TX, united states
It was a great experience.
Robert Cortinas None, united states
fast
Courtney Richards None, united states
It was a quick process to sign up, ready to finish course.
Robert Pickens None, united states
Simple and quick
Daniela Ruiz united states
Website is So easy navigate and everything is explained so well
Edward Texas, united states
Course is informative and interesting.
Logan Dawson None, united states
Yall did great thank you
Stuart Pasley None, united states
Simple
Della Street-Leinart None, united states
Quick, easy and affordable.
Alexus Broome None, united states
easy to use
hdeal alabodi united states
Good experience
Lauren FULKERSON united states
Easy to use
Akhil Gajulavarti Texas, united states
Overall, it's good
Avery Ballmann TX, united states
It's great!
Eric Varela None, united states
Very Easy and fast service, all Texas Courts approve it
Sandreika Barber None, united states
Fast to navigate thru
Jose Carreon None, united states
Just awesome teaching techniques
Andres Alaniz None, united states
easy
Amanda Corley None, united states
all good
John Sanchez Texas, united states
Easy to follow
Luis Anchondo united states
Great!!!!
Zachary Hird None, united states
very easy to use
Meghan Stevenson None, united states
Fast and easy
Donna Collins None, united states
easy
See all reviews on shopperApproved.com
Why DefensiveDriving.com
  • 20 Years in Business
  • Over 2 Million Customers Served
  • Highest Possible Better Business Bureau Rating
  • Award Winning Course