How to Handle Being Stuck in a Traffic Jam

Last Updated: September 13, 2021

Everyone hates being stuck in a traffic jam, but sadly, many commuters have to deal with it every day. Whether you're the driver or a passenger, there are steps you can take to help you handle it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

As a Passenger

1
Pack some snacks before you go. This'll help if you're stuck in a long traffic jam and get hungry, and it's honestly a pretty good time waster, too. Try to bring food that won't make a mess in the car! Avoid jams and other sticky condiments, or any crumbly pastries or crackers.^{[1]
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- If you're drinking anything sugary or sweet, be careful of spilling; if you can opt for a bottle with a sports top, do!
2
Take a breath. If you're a passenger of the car, and you have been stuffed in a serious traffic jam where the cars aren't moving at all, just roll down the window or even open the door (if you're not moving at all, and it's safe to do so), and take a breath beside your car for a second. This should help you in the following.
- This can help you feel better if you're carsick, and give you a literal breath of fresh air. Making you feel better if you were car sick. If it's safe to get out, it also gives you an opportunity to stretch your legs. Keep safety in mind, though, and don't attempt to get out unless traffic is at a total standstill and has been for a long time.
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3
Play a road game. Playing a road game is a great way to get rid of the boredom. If you haven't played any road games before below are some pretty popular road games that are fun and enjoyable for everyone!^{[2]
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- Punch Buggy is a fun and very popular road game. Where you punch (lightly) your friends/family in the arm when you see a punch buggy car, while yelling out "punch buggy" or "slug bug!"
- I Spy is another very popular road game where you say "I spy with my little eye something that is..." and you say the color of the object you've chosen, and the others have to guess what it is.
- Name that tune is not really popular, but really fun to play! The way you play this is, the "Chosen one" starts to sing or hum to a song and the others have to guess, and the first one to guess the name of the song wins!
4
Bring along a hobby. Do you like to read, crochet, knit, color, or do any other hobbies with materials that are easy to transport? Bring them along and get some done while you're waiting.
5
Get creative with your free time. There are plenty of other things you can do while being stuck in a traffic jam! Some of the ones below are not just fun, but productive too!
- Ask the driver to go to a good radio station and start calling in and get involved, or call all the radio stations and dedicate some songs to people.
- No matter who’s watching you, sing along to the song on the radio at the top of your voice and dance around in your seat to the song! (Let's face it, you’re never going to see people in the jam again are you?)
- Strike up a conversation with the person in the car next to you! (Pretend you know them and start by saying: “I haven’t seen you in ages!”)
- Take selfies.
- Work on your to-do list.
- Read a book.
- Go on social media sites.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

As a Driver

1
Don't get frustrated! As the driver, you have the unique responsibility of getting you and/or the passengers to your destination safely. When you get into a traffic jam don't think of it as a waste of time, instead, think of it as getting more time to spend with your family/other passengers.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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2
Consider alternative routes. If you know that an there is a traffic jam on a road you're going to use or it's rush hour, try to find an alternative route using a G.P.S or a map. If you can avoid the jam altogether.^{[4]
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3
Turn on the radio or an audiobook. Take your mind off the stress of the traffic jam by listening to something you enjoy. The more engaged you are in the listening material, the faster it'll seem like time passes.
4
Switch lanes if it's safe to do so and another lane is faster. Just keep in mind that switching lanes only for the sake of it is likely to make the traffic jam worse; only switch if you have a real reason to or there is some kind of obstruction in your lane.
5
Wait it out. If the traffic is extremely bad most people recommend just waiting until the next exit lane, and finding the nearest fast food restaurant and just eating there until traffic gets better.
6
Practice some deep breathing exercises. It's easy to get frustrated as a driver in a traffic jam. Deep breathing can help you stay calm and feel more focused.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
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7
Make mental lists or think about problems you're trying to solve. If the traffic is really at a standstill, it's fairly safe to let your mind wander, just a little. It's a good time to get your creative juices flowing; make your mental to-do list or start brainstorming solutions to the problems you've got at work or home. Just be ready to jump back into action when traffic starts moving.
8
Talk to your passengers. If you're not driving solo, strike up a conversation or participate in a road game with them. Again, just be ready to focus on driving once you get rolling.