Surviving Congested Traffic: A Driver’s Guide

So, to say that traffic sucks isn’t really breaking new ground. Seems like some places will just clog up any time, night or day, for no reason at all. Everyone has their favorite. Traffic and parking are the main reasons that I worked nights most of the time I was driving. You can bet that the lane that is moving is the one that is closed ahead. The 1 to 1 zipper-merge is a concept that some folks can’t get their head around. Here are a few observations from practical experience.

Space Cushion Coasting

• Maintaining a space cushion in heavy traffic can be nearly impossible. Four-wheelers fill it up like water in a glass of ice.
• If someone squeezes in, back off a touch. You can’t control them, but you can control your buffer.

It’s Slow, May As Well Be Steady

• Avoid sudden throttle, brake, or lane changes. Smooth inputs save fuel and protect your Zen.
• That traffic slinky is tiresome and anxiety-inducing, and brake jobs are expensive.

Choose the Right Lane

• The center lane is often the sweet spot—less merging chaos than the right, less speed jockeying than the left.
• Keep an escape route in mind—especially near exit ramps, construction zones, and cloverleafs.
• You know those spots where the exit-only lane backs up and the lane next door backs up from people trying to get to the front of the backup. Sometimes it’ll go three deep.

Maintain Your Zen

• Tight traffic raises heart rate and blood pressure.
• Use deep breathing, music, or podcasts to keep your mind loose and focused.

Timing Is Everything

• When possible, plan departures to miss known metro peaks.
• Early mornings and late evenings usually flow better than mid-afternoon gridlock.
• Consult the traffic overlay on the GPS. Sometimes there really is a better way.

Keep the Professional Edge

• Avoid the road rage drama. You represent every driver when you’re out there. Try to be an ambassador of peace.
• A calm, predictable driver is the safest driver.

Wrap It Up

There are times when traffic is unavoidable. Whether it is rush hour, construction, holiday shoppers, an accident or the dreaded combination of all of the above, traffic is just part of life. We can’t control the world, only our reactions to it. Stay sharp, stay safe, stay calm.