What are the precautions for driving in congested traffic?

[LeonardoMarie]

Precautions for driving in congested traffic are as follows: 1. Judging the distance to the vehicle in front: When the driver can just see the upper edge of the rear bumper of the vehicle in front, the distance is about 1 meter; when the driver can just see the lower edge of the rear bumper, the distance is about 2 meters; when the driver can just see the lower edge of the rear tires, the distance is about 3 meters. 2. Judging the distance to the vehicle behind: When the image of the vehicle in the rearview mirror occupies the entire mirror, the distance is 3 meters; when it occupies two-thirds of the mirror, the distance is 5.5 meters; when it occupies one-third of the mirror, the distance is 10.5 meters. 3. Precautions for lane changing: Many people do not have the habit of using turn signals and checking the rearview mirror in advance when changing lanes. Statistics show that 30% of rear-end collisions and side-swipe accidents are caused by drivers not using turn signals in advance. 4. Remember to shift gears when accelerating or decelerating: The most common issue for novice drivers is neglecting to shift gears, often leading to "gear dragging." Generally, "gear dragging" refers to driving at a high speed with a low gear, causing the engine to emit a "humming" sound, in which case the driver should immediately upshift. Conversely, when the gear is high but the speed is low, the engine noise becomes louder, and the car body may shake, indicating that the driver should downshift.

[LeGriffin]

I get quite nervous every time I encounter traffic jams, especially since I'm a new driver, always worried about accidents. The top priority is maintaining a safe distance—don't tailgate to avoid rear-end collisions. When checking the rear situation, glance at the mirrors more often to prevent blind spot issues. Avoid distractions like playing with your phone or adjusting the radio; keep your focus ahead and be ready when signals change or the car in front moves. If the jam lasts long, turn on the AC or open the window for fresh air to prevent drowsiness. Also, use a navigation app to check real-time traffic updates and choose alternate routes to save time. If stuck on the highway, turn on hazard lights to alert vehicles behind—safety is the top priority, so control your speed and emotions.

[DelNatalie]

Having driven for decades, I've developed a set of techniques for handling traffic jams. Try to coast to a stop and avoid sudden braking to save fuel and protect brake pads; if the congestion lasts more than a minute after starting the engine, turn it off to conserve fuel and prevent long-term idling from damaging the motor. Regularly check tire pressure and the cooling system—low pressure can cause tires to overheat and lead to failures. Adjust the air conditioning appropriately, using recirculation mode to reduce energy consumption, and avoid always running it at full blast to save energy. These small habits can extend your vehicle's lifespan, save money and hassle, and even help prevent unexpected starting difficulties.

[Thaddeus]

As a father of two, my kids often get impatient in traffic jams. Managing emotions is key—don't let frustration boil over. Engage them by chatting about fun school stories or playing audiobooks/music to shift focus. Take deep breaths to stay relaxed yourself, and keep snacks/water handy for comfort. Always remind backseat passengers to buckle up—safety first. If stuck too long, crack windows slightly for fresh air to prevent car sickness. Mentally accept the situation with patience, as road safety outweighs all—never risk reckless driving.