What to Do When Stuck in Traffic
2 Answers
When stuck in traffic, the following methods can be applied: 1. Try to slightly offset your vehicle to the left from the car in front, allowing you to see the vehicles ahead; 2. After the car in front starts moving, leave a gap of one car length before starting to follow, while paying attention to the movements of the four or five cars ahead; 3. Avoid starting too quickly or abruptly, and do not follow too closely; 4. Once you catch up to the car in front, if the leading car is still moving, you can lightly press the accelerator to follow. If the leading car accelerates, shift into second gear. Conversely, if the leading cars have their brake lights on, immediately shift to neutral, release the clutch, and coast forward; 5. Unless it's unbearably hot or cold, it's advisable to turn off the air conditioning, as this will allow the car to start and accelerate more quickly; 6. Stay alert to whether vehicles on either side intend to change lanes and squeeze in. If they do, follow closely; otherwise, keep a greater distance. If conditions permit, drive in the far left or right lane to avoid situations where cars from both sides try to merge in.
Don't get angry when stuck in traffic - I'm the expert on this. Last year during a two-hour jam on the elevated highway, I figured out some practical tricks: First, switch the AC to recirculation mode - cuts exhaust fumes by more than half. Use that annoying auto start-stop feature when needed, it really saves fuel. Most importantly, maintain safe following distance - leave at least 2-3 car lengths so you've got reaction time if the car ahead slams brakes. Phone mounts become super useful here to glance at navigation and avoid worse alternate routes. Keep some mints handy - better than filling up on drinks. Once I listened to half of 'The Three-Body Problem' audiobook and was actually disappointed when I arrived before it finished.
