What to Do When Stuck in Traffic

[StRuth]

When stuck in traffic, you should pay attention to: 1. Try to offset slightly to the left from the car in front, so that you can see several cars ahead; 2. After the car in front starts moving, leave a car-length distance before starting to follow, while also paying attention to the movements of the four or five cars ahead; 3. Don’t start too quickly or abruptly, and don’t follow too closely; 4. After catching up with the car in front, if the lead car is still moving, you can gently press the accelerator to steadily follow, while watching for any cars on the left or right trying to cut in; 5. Before the car in front comes to a complete stop, don’t let your car stop completely either—be ready to follow at any time.

[VanSavannah]

During traffic jams, I usually turn my car into a little haven. I turn on the air conditioning to a comfortable temperature, play soft music for my child to listen to stories, or use the voice assistant to tell jokes to ease tension. With my child in the back seat, I always keep healthy snacks and water handy to prevent hunger-induced fussiness. If the traffic lasts too long, I roll down the windows for fresh air, but I’m mindful of outside pollution—it’s safer to keep the AC on recirculation mode. I check traffic conditions in advance with a navigation app to avoid congested exits. I teach my child about safety, like keeping the seatbelt on and not moving around. Personally, I stay calm and treat it as extra family time—sometimes pointing out trees or car colors for interactive games to build patience. I also regularly check tire pressure and the cabin air filter to ensure a fresh and comfortable ride.

[StAriana]

As a daily commuter, I turn on music or subscribed podcasts to learn something new during traffic jams, transforming wasted time into value. Car apps monitor real-time traffic, providing alternative routes as backup. I always keep water and snacks in my bag to prevent low calories from affecting focus. While driving, I stay alert, maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, and avoid sudden braking to reduce rear-end collision risks. In summer, I clean the AC vents before use to prevent dust from blowing out. Mentally, I take deep breaths and think about to-do lists or evening plans to avoid road rage. Occasionally, I snap photos of traffic jams for humorous social media posts. Regular vehicle maintenance, like brake pad checks, addresses wear from frequent stops. For health, I replace AC filters often to prevent discomfort from air pollution.

[StFernando]

Decades of driving experience have taught me that the secret to dealing with traffic jams is to stay calm. Tune in to local radio stations for real-time traffic updates to stay informed. Keep an eye on the engine temperature gauge to avoid overheating, and turn off the engine during long traffic lights to save fuel and ensure safety. Frequently check your brakes to prevent excessive wear. Keep a small toolkit in your car for emergencies. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles while driving, avoid aggressive lane changes, and always prioritize safety. Occasionally stretch your legs to relieve fatigue. Experienced drivers often take detours to avoid congested areas, using GPS for verification. Stay relaxed and treat it as a forced break.