subject: Traffic Stress: How To Avoid It [print this page] One of the most stressful places in the world is the road. It is especially during traffic that you get to meet and see different kinds of people. Sometimes you can't avoid getting angry and frustrated yourself because of the heavy traffic. The good news is traffic stress is unnecessary and can actually be avoided.
As human beings we want to be always in control and that is also applicable when we're driving. Control is actually the reason why we get stressed when driving to work. To minimize stress caused by the desire to put things under control, try taking public transport instead such as a cab, a bus or a train.
Another reason why people are stressed during traffic is because of the issue of time. Since you don't want to get stuck in the middle of the traffic and get late for work, try leaving 30 minutes earlier than usual. If your office starts at 9 in the morning and the average travel time is 1 hour, leave the house at around 730am.
The public road is not for racing so when you get to drive your own car to work, avoid racing with other drivers. Not only are you going to increase your stress levels by doing so, you will also increase your risk for getting into an accident. Stay calm when driving and limit your driving speed according to the rules of traffic.
Look for alternative routes when driving or commuting for work. If there are other possible roads from your area leading to your workplace, identify and memorize them so that you will have other choices the next time that traffic becomes heavy in the road that you usually take.
Safety should be your number one concern when in the road. Seatbelts should be in place and side mirrors in check. Make sure you obey traffic rules to avoid getting into a mess with other drivers or getting into an accident. That would bring you the most stress above anything else.
