What is it about Traffic jams and gridlocks that drive shivers down our spines?

What we find more terrifying is that according to some psychology studies, traffic jams, and especially sudden gridlocks are indirectly or partly responsible for a number of sanity-related problems in drivers who are frequently finding themselves in this dreadful situation.

Firstly, we should probably summarize what we know so far about traffic jams and its effects.

• It is one of the main reasons for city pollution in most large cities.
• It is a top reason for psychological problems when they are dealt with on regular basis.
• According to studies, travel delays due to traffic congestion caused drivers to waste a billion litres of fuel and keep travellers stuck in their cars for nearly billion extra hours in a year. Should we talk about the cost for this horrifyingly high number of traffic jams? Surely around a million naira per each commuter in a year.
• Emergency vehicles are unable to reach their destinations as urgently as they could without being stuck in gridlock.

Let’s think less about how bad traffic is in most cities in Nigeria and more about ways to improve our lives behind the wheel, starting of course with tips to avoid traffic jams.

The list is exhaustive but a short list of “dos” and “don’ts” on this subject, if read and put in action, will help.

Leave your car parked 

If you can use more efficient alternative modes of travel, like public transportation, leave your pride at home and do it. There’s no shame in using the subway, the bus or the tram, despite being the proud owner of a luxurious sedan, SUV or a flashy sports car.

Study the route and leave early. If you lose an hour, you can also win an hour

If you slightly change the schedule of your departure to and from work, you might circumvent the biggest traffic jams of the day.

Upgrade your knowledge of inner routes

The shortest distance between two points isn’t always a straight line. So, instead of taking the most obvious route, which everyone else is already using, go against the flow by using smaller side streets to reach your destination inside the city.

Get better informed even before jumping in your car

You should never rely just on your better judgement since you can’t predict the future when leaving home. Always listen to the radio for any gridlock announcements so you can plan your route ahead, before actually arriving right in the middle of a traffic jam.

Use Social Media

Technology has become a vital aspect of our lives. It has impacted our lives in various ways. Social media apps like twitter and facebook help with traffic updates. If you are on twitter, kindly follow @Gidi_traffic for current traffic updates. Confirming traffic updates before leaving for another location can help save time & unnecessary waste of fuel.

Avoid road where construction is ongoing 

Road Construction impacts free flow of traffic in no small way. With the right information, avoid roads undergoing repair or construction, especially at peak moments.

Make a mental note of weekly or monthly events in certain areas.

Certain areas are beset with heavy traffic because of social and religious events on a weekly and bi-monthly basis. Note these events and seek alternatives.

Note these tips and do have a traffic-free ride always.