How to Avoid Traffic Jams
With a little bit of planning, you can avoid a lot of blood-pressure-raising traffic messes.
Instructions
- Step 1: Avoid rush hour If at all possible, don’t drive from six to ten in the morning and between four and seven at night.
- Step 2: Plan ahead Plan your route ahead of time. If you’re traveling during a peak time, you may want to use back roads instead of crowded highways.
- TIP: Online driving-direction sites often let you choose a 'no highway' option.
- Step 3: Know alternatives When planning your route, research two or three alternate routes in case there’s a traffic tie-up.
- TIP: Familiarize yourself with how roads connect with your primary and alternative routes in case you have to make a change while driving.
- Step 4: Get traffic updates Check traffic reports just before you hit the road and adjust your route accordingly. Many major cities have updated traffic information available for free over the Internet.
- Step 5: Listen to the radio Local radio stations often provide traffic updates on a regular basis. Tuning in to these updates can help navigate traffic jams as they happen.
- Step 6: GPS-based devices and services available to many mobile phones can keep you informed about traffic problems lurking ahead.
- Step 7: Take the train Switch to public transportation whenever you can. You’ll save money, aggravation, and the environment--and you can read the paper -- all at once!
- FACT: The average American driver spends nearly 38 hours a year cooling his jets in traffic jams.
You Will Need
- Time to plan
- Traffic reports
- GPS service