By Weyo
Keeping Cool in Holiday Traffic
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, stress. One of the most common sources of holiday stress is traffic. Congested roads, long commutes, and bad drivers can turn even the cheeriest person into a Scrooge. But it doesn't have to be that way! Here are 7 ways you can stay calm during holiday traffic this season.
7 Tips For A Better Holiday Road Trip
- Keep your cool. This one may seem obvious, but it's worth repeating. Getting angry or frustrated while driving will not get you to your destination any faster. In fact, it will only make the situation worse by causing you to make poor decisions behind the wheel. If you feel angry, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. You'll get where you're going eventually.
- Plan ahead. One of the best ways to avoid holiday traffic is to plan your trips in advance. If you know you're going to be traveling during peak times, try to leave earlier or later than everyone else on the road. You can also check traffic reports online or on the radio before you leave to plan your route accordingly.
- Leave extra time. Even if you plan ahead and leave at an ideal time, there's always a chance that traffic will slow you down. That's why it's important to leave yourself some extra time when traveling during the holidays. That way, even if you do run into some delays, you won't be as stressed because you won't be running late.
- Don't tailgate. Following other drivers too closely is never a good idea, but it's particularly dangerous during the holidays when roads are busier than usual. If the driver in front of you suddenly has to stop or swerve out of the way to avoid an accident, you could end up in a crash by tailgating them. So ease back and give yourself (and everyone else on the road) some extra space this holiday season.
- Stay alert. It can be tempting to let your mind wander when you're stuck in traffic, but it's important to stay alert and pay attention to what's happening around you. There could be hazards on the road that you don't see until it's too late, so keep your eyes open and be ready to react if necessary.
- Be patient. Other drivers may not always make the best decisions while behind the wheel, but getting angry at them won't do any good (see tip #1). Try to be patient with other drivers and understand that they may be just as stressed out as you are this holiday season. After all, we're all in this together!
- Enjoy the ride! This may seem like impossible advice when sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic with nowhere to go, but try to look on the bright side: this is just temporary! The holidays will be over before you know it, and things will go back to normal again (whatever "normal" means these days). In the meantime, try to enjoy spending time with your family and friends—even if it is in a car!
Ponder Auto Repair Can Help You Prepare For Your Holiday Road Trip
No one likes sitting in traffic, but unfortunately, it's something we all have to deal with from time to time—especially during the holidays when everyone is on the move at once! But just because traffic is unavoidable doesn't mean that it has to ruin your holiday spirit! By following these 7 tips, you can stay calm and enjoy your time with loved ones—even if you are stuck in gridlock! Merry Christmas and happy travels!
If you need help preparing your holiday road trip, come to Ponder Auto Repair in Johnson City, TN. Our ASE-Certified auto mechanics will ensure you're ready for the road. Visit our website today to schedule an appointment. Also, don't forget to add us on Facebook, we post all sorts of great stuff, and we would love to interact with you!