Whether you’re heading out on a summer road trip, teaching your teen to drive, or trying to squeeze in one last vacation before school starts, there’s one reality of modern travel that’s nearly unavoidable: traffic jams. Despite their slow pace, these gridlocks can be unexpectedly dangerous. According to traffic safety experts, congestion often contributes to rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, and aggressive driving incidents. Understanding how to handle these situations safely is key to protecting yourself and your passengers.
Here are some essential traffic jam survival tips that every driver should know.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
One of the biggest mistakes drivers make in stop-and-go traffic is tailgating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends maintaining at least a three-second following distance under normal conditions. This buffer gives you enough time to react if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly.
To measure this, choose a fixed object ahead (like a sign, tree, or overpass), and as the car in front passes it, count “one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three.” If you reach the same object before you finish counting, you’re too close.
In adverse weather—such as rain, fog, or icy roads—you should increase this following distance to four or five seconds. Reduced traction and visibility can dramatically increase stopping time, and it’s better to play it safe.
Avoid Riding the Brakes
When you’re creeping along in bumper-to-bumper traffic, it might feel natural to keep your foot lightly pressed on the brake pedal. But riding your brakes can lead to brake overheating, increased wear, and reduced effectiveness when you need stopping power the most.
Instead, try to anticipate when traffic is slowing down and gradually ease off the gas to coast to a stop. In vehicles with manual transmissions, you can also downshift to a lower gear to help slow the car without relying heavily on the brakes. For automatic cars with manual modes, this technique is often still available.
Giving your brakes a break—literally—preserves their integrity and gives you more reliable stopping performance when it matters most.
Look for an Alternate Route or Exit
Sometimes traffic comes to a complete standstill with no end in sight. If you’re stuck in a jam that’s clearly going nowhere fast, check your GPS or traffic apps for alternative routes. Many navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, or your car’s built-in system offer real-time traffic updates and may suggest side streets or surface roads that can get you to your destination faster.
If it’s safe and legal to do so, take the next exit and bypass the congestion. Just be mindful that everyone else might have the same idea—so weigh your options before committing to a detour.
Plan Ahead and Expect Delays
The best way to deal with traffic is to avoid it altogether. While that’s not always possible, you can reduce the stress and risk by planning ahead. Before you leave, check local traffic reports, consult live maps, or listen to real-time radio traffic updates. Many of today’s navigation apps will automatically reroute you if a slowdown or accident occurs.
Also, build buffer time into your travel schedule. If your GPS says the drive will take three hours, consider allowing at least an extra 30–45 minutes during high-traffic periods like holidays, rush hour, or weekends. When you’re not rushed, you’re less likely to get frustrated and make risky decisions on the road.
Stay Calm and Patient
Traffic jams are frustrating—we’ve all been there. But how you handle the frustration can make a huge difference in both your mental well-being and your physical safety. Aggressive behavior like tailgating, cutting off other drivers, or switching lanes excessively won’t get you to your destination any faster. In fact, it increases the risk of an accident and can escalate tensions with other drivers.
Instead, use the time in traffic constructively. Play a podcast, listen to an audiobook, or turn on relaxing music to stay calm and focused. If you’re traveling with kids, prepare car games or snacks to keep them occupied and avoid distractions.
If you find yourself becoming tense or irritable, try deep breathing exercises, roll down the window for fresh air, or even pull over safely and take a short break. Keeping a cool head can prevent poor decisions and keep everyone in your car—and on the road—safe.
Keep safe this summer by avoiding reckless driving in traffic jams or even the open road. Should you be involved in an injury crash caused by another driver, we can help you pursue a personal injury claim. Contact Steele Adams Hosman by calling (801) 999-1506 to discuss your legal options.
