If you’re like most people, the increase of traffic on the roads makes you feel stressed. The last thing you want to do is spend hours in your car every day just trying to get from Point A to Point B. And you might also fear the risk of having a car accident with all the extra traffic too. Unfortunately, this is becoming an increasingly common reality for many people. However, there are ways to cope with the stress of increased traffic. In this blog post, you’ll learn some useful tactics that can help make your daily commute and general driving experiences a little less frustrating.
The main reason for the increase in traffic on the roads is because of population growth. As more and more people move to cities and towns, the demand for cars and roads increases. This means that the roads are becoming increasingly congested and traffic is getting heavier.
The consequences of this are vast. For starters, there’s the environmental impact that comes with increased fuel consumption and air pollution. There are also safety implications due to longer commute times and higher risk of collisions. Plus, the psychological and emotional toll that comes with dealing with traffic can be considerable.
Not only is general traffic increasing, but there are also more heavy goods vehicles and 18 wheeler vehicles on the roads. These vehicles can make other road users especially nervous, and the number of accidents involving 18 wheelers is increasing. Although an 18 wheeler accident attorney can help if you or a loved one become a victim, how do you deal with the increased anxiety this type of traffic brings? Large vehicles can add a new dimension to a situation you already find stressful.
Here are some tips on how to cope with increased traffic on the roads so you are safer and less anxious about driving.
1. Avoid Peak Hours
If you can, plan your journeys to avoid peak times when the roads are most congested. This might mean setting off earlier or later than you usually do, or taking different routes that don’t get as congested. Think about how you could make avoiding peak hours work for you. Perhaps you want to get fit, so you could go to work early and use a nearby gym before you start work. Or maybe your employer would be open to you changing your working hours so you can avoid peak times. There might be more creative ways of making this work for you than you initially think.
2. Make Use of Technology
Technology can be your friend when it comes to coping with traffic. You can find apps and websites that provide information on traffic conditions, allowing you to plan your journey in advance. You can also use GPS navigation to avoid traffic jams and find alternative routes, as well as systems such as Waze that show drivers the best routes to take. Set up alerts on your phone to tell you about any issues on your usual routes. And see if you can map out a way to work or other places you go to frequently that use more back roads.
3. Take Regular Breaks
Make sure you take regular breaks while driving, especially if you tend to travel long distances. This is especially important if you’re driving for long periods of time, as fatigue can increase your risk of having an accident. Plan ahead and look for places to stop on your journey where possible. Consider taking a break every two hours or so, even if it’s just for a few minutes to stretch your legs.
4. Try Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety in many situations, including when you are dealing with intense traffic. Take some deep breaths and focus on your breathing. This can help to calm you down and make the traffic seem less overwhelming. You could even play a podcast that makes you feel calm while you’re driving, to see if this helps.
5. Listen to Music
Listening to music or an audio book can be a great way of distracting yourself from the traffic. Listening to something you enjoy can help you to relax, and it can also make the time pass more quickly. However, ensure that you don’t get too distracted by your music or audio book, and always remain aware of your surroundings.
6. Look For Alternative Modes of Transport
If traffic is becoming too much for you, consider exploring alternative modes of transport. This could mean taking public transport, carpooling with someone else, or even working from home if this option is available. Even though carpooling means you’ll still be in a car, if you take it in turns to drive with someone else, you’re likely to feel less stressed overall. Different modes of transport could help to reduce your stress levels and make you feel less anxious when it comes to being out on the roads.
7. Learn To Let Go of What You Cannot Control
Finally, remember that traffic is often out of your control. Trying to stay calm when it feels like it’s going nowhere can be difficult, but it is important to stay in control of yourself and your emotions. Accept that some things are out of your control, and focus on what you can do to make your journey less stressful. Taking deep breaths, listening to music, or chatting on the phone with someone can all help to keep your emotions in check.
Overall, it’s important to remember that traffic can be an unavoidable issue at times, and it’s normal to feel some form of stress when driving. However, by following the tips above, you can learn how to control your emotions and make your journey less stressful. With some planning and creativity, you can find ways to make your travels more bearable while avoiding traffic jams.