Top Strategies to Stay Calm While Driving in Traffic Jams

Driving in heavy traffic can be stressful for most drivers. Having to deal with constant honking, lane merging, aggressive drivers, etc., are all part of the traffic jam experience. Losing your temper or experiencing stress under such circumstances is highly common. However, doing so can lead to severe complications, such as you might be tempted to indulge in road rage, cause accidents, etc. Therefore, keeping your cool is crucial to ensure safe driving in heavy traffic. It not only ensures your safety but also that of your passengers and other road users. 

If you’re someone who finds it difficult to keep your cool in heavy traffic, the article below is just for you. We will list down some of the best strategies to stay calm and collected while driving in traffic jams. Try out these techniques to see the difference yourself. 

1. Plan Ahead with Real-Time Navigation

One of the major reasons why people lose their cool in traffic is because of getting delayed and missing out on an appointment, meeting, or other such important tasks. In addition to handling stop-and-go traffic, dealing with impolite stares from other drivers, unnecessary honking, rash driving, etc., add on to the stress one experiences while being late. To avoid this, it is best to plan your travel well in advance by using real-time navigation systems.  

Check for real-time traffic and other driving conditions on any trusted navigation app before setting off on the road. Knowing which route would be best for you and would reach you to your destination on time is very helpful. Furthermore, try to always leave early. Doing so, puts you into a calm mindset and ensures a relaxed driving experience, even if you have to deal with unwanted traffic. 

2. Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Oftentimes, when in rush it is easy to forget to maintain a safe following distance. Keeping an adequate distance between two vehicles is crucial to avoid any mishaps or collisions. Always ensure a minimum 3-second or 5-second distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. This helps avoid any stress when the vehicle in front of you performs sudden maneuvers or hits the brake abruptly. 

3. Stay Calm and Patient

Staying calm amid heavy traffic jams isn’t easy. However, losing your cool can promote road rage, leading to accidents and mishaps. Practice deep breathing exercises to help you remain calm and reduce stress. It is an effective technique that helps you focus your mind on your breaths and reduce anxiety. Another technique for staying calm involves not indulging in any arguments. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, try sorting it out through peaceful means. Being patient with those in and around you in a similar situation makes navigating heavy traffic easier, causing less stress and anxiety. 

4. Eliminate Distractions

Driving in heavy traffic is quite a challenge. Having distractions around you, such as electronic gadgets, heavy music, etc., can lead to collisions. To avoid such situations, eliminate your distractions and use the time in better ways. For example, listen to soft soothing music, or as mentioned earlier practice deep breathing exercises to calm yourself down. Remember, distracted driving can be very dangerous as it affects your ability to react quickly. Therefore, it is important you focus all your attention on the road.

5. Use Indicators and Mirrors Effectively

One of the most important aspects of handling stop-and-go traffic is to ensure you communicate your intentions to other drivers and road users appropriately. Using your indicators and mirrors in the right manner helps ensure a smooth traffic flow and reduces the amount of accidents and road congestion. 

6. Keep Your Vehicle Cool

Imagine being caught in heavy traffic while you’re getting late for an important meeting, and your car heats up to the extent that it breaks down abruptly. You sure you don’t want to be in this situation, right? High temperatures cause an increase in stress and irritation, making your ride an uncomfortable experience. Therefore, it is important to keep your car cool and ensure ventilation by using the AC correctly, opting for breathable seat covers, and using appropriate shades to avoid the heat.  

7. Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Many might wonder what has regular vehicle maintenance to do with staying calm and composed in heavy traffic. Lack of appropriate vehicle maintenance leads to high risks of accidents and sudden breakdowns. Furthermore, heavy traffic demands a lot from the vehicle and one that hasn’t had proper maintenance might give up easily than one that is in great condition. 

8. Adjust Your Schedule

Similar to the first strategy that advises you to leave early or plan your route in advance, this strategy focuses on adjusting or tweaking your schedule to take off the stress from your shoulder. For example, if you’re running late for an important meeting and are stuck in traffic, there is a high chance of you feeling anxious and stressed. Postponing or rescheduling your work, if possible, can help relieve this stress and put you in a better mood, promoting safe driving in heavy traffic.

Conclusion

Remember always, your safety is in your hands. Follow the above-mentioned strategies the next time you find yourself in a heavy traffic situation. Staying calm and composed, not only helps ensure a safe-driving experience but also keeps you relaxed and prepared for any unexpected situation. 

FAQs

1. What are the best tips for driving safely in heavy traffic?

Some of the best tips to drive safely in heavy traffic are to plan your route in advance, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid distractions.

2. What’s the recommended following distance in heavy traffic?

It is recommended to maintain a 3-4 second following distance in heavy traffic. However, depending on the traffic flow and your own instincts, you can increase this distance if needed. 

3. Should I use the cruise control feature while navigating heavy traffic?

No, avoid using the cruise control while driving in heavy traffic. Driving in heavy traffic requires constant speed changes and braking; and therefore it is important for you to keep your foot on the pedals always.