How to Beat Traffic Jams

Traffic jams and delays are an inevitable part of modern day motoring. With roadworks and accidents adding to sheer volume of traffic, you may well find yourself behind schedule on a long journey.

Traffic jams have a negative impact on motorists who can experience stress, and loss of income and business from increased travel time. They can also have an impact on the environment as cars inevitably produce more pollution per mile if they are travelling more slowly. Attempts have been made to reduce this impact in some areas with the use of toll roads, and with city centre congestion charges, such as in London.

Attempts are also made to ease congestion by designing better roads, junctions, and signs, but there are fears that this encourages more people to use the roads, adding to congestion all the more.

If you’re planning a long journey for a holiday or day trip, particularly with your children, then you don’t really want to be sat in slow-moving or even stationary traffic for too long. Not only will it take precious time from your holiday, but also increase the chances of boredom and stress kicking in, which will make your journey quite unpleasant.

What can you do to improve your chances of not being affected by traffic congestion?

Change your journey time

First of all, you could go at a time when traffic is lighter. A lot of jams are caused because too many cars are trying to use the same road space at the same time, so choosing a less popular time to travel will help. Obviously, avoiding the peak times in the morning and evening rush hours is wise, but also consider undertaking longer journeys later in the evening, or through the night.

Top tip – check out the times of any planned roadworks on your route. Often, these are done during the night to minimise disruption, so make sure your road is open at the time you plan to travel.

Update your GPS

Update your GPS maps before you go. Make sure you have information about all the latest roads at your fingertips, especially if you are going somewhere that is less familiar to you. Your GPS knowing about a new road could make all the difference if you get caught up in a traffic jam en route.

Top tip – get 30% off Xtrons GPS maps with code ADVENTURE – check out our range of GPS maps for more info

Plan, plan, plan

Plan your route before you go. Use live traffic information such as that provided by the AA live traffic news, or on the BBC red button. You can also download smartphone apps to give you up-to-the-minute information when on the move.

Top tip – Check out Auto Express’ guide to the best smartphone traffic apps

If you can’t beat ‘em…..

Sometimes, you just can’t get away from them, so use the down time to your advantage. You could…..

Listen to that audio book or podcast you’ve been meaning to get around to
Talk to your family and play games
Catch up on emails or social networking
Watch a DVD – check out our range of in-car DVD players at Xtrons.co.uk

….if it’s safe and legal to do so, of course!

Do you have any top tips to share for avoiding traffic jams?