10 Things You Shouldn't Do in a Traffic Jam & 10 Ways to Keep Yourself Entertained
What to Do and Not Do in Bumper-to-Bumper Traffic
Nobody wants to be stuck in traffic, but it's sometimes inevitable, especially when driving during rush hour. And while it's understandable that these jams can be particularly irksome, there are things you definitely shouldn't do in a traffic jam. But what can you do, then, when you're bored out of your mind and moving at snail's pace? Don't worry—we've got you covered.
1. Use Your Phone
Just because you're stuck in traffic doesn't mean you have free rein to use your phone, so don't think about using this time to watch videos, text back a friend, or search something up. Chances are, you'll end up distracted and endangering yourself and others around you.
2. Swerve or Change Lanes
Though it's understandable for your patience to wear thin during traffic jams, swerving to change lanes or weaving in and out between tight spaces is extremely dangerous. You might cause an accident or end up in the hands of law enforcement.
3. Honk
We get it—being stuck in traffic is annoying. It's grating. You and everyone else want to get out of there and get to your destinations. But blasting your horn is not going to solve the problem or make the situation better, so just sit back and try to be patient.
4. Engage in Aggressive Behavior
If honking in a traffic jam does nothing, yelling at other drivers or engaging in aggressive behavior definitely won't do anything. If an argument gets super heated, you might put yourself—and others around you—in harm's way, or end up at the police station. It's just not worth it.
5. Tailgate
Tailgating the car in front of you isn't going to make them go any faster. If anything, it'll only cause more stress for you, because you'll need to constantly brake in time. Flub it and you could rear-end the vehicle you're following, which would make the entire situation worse.
6. Get Out of Your Car
Traffic jams can be long and boring, but that still doesn't mean you can put your car into park or kill the ignition and get out of the driver's seat. Doing so will only cause more delays, and you'll have to face a slew of angry drivers.
7. Eat Messy Food
Just as you shouldn't use your phone while driving, you should also never eat while driving, as they can both distract you from the road. Eating messy food, in particular, should absolutely be avoided, due to the spills it could make.
8. Block Drivers Trying to Merge
If you purposely block other drivers trying to merge or enter a highway, or those who are trying to exit, you'll only cause further delays. You'll also anger other road users, which won't put you in a very comfortable situation.
9. Blasting Loud or Distracting Music
Sure, it's not a crime to jam to your favorite playlist when stuck in traffic. But blasting loud or distracting music with the windows down is probably going to earn you not only a few annoyed looks, but also aggressive responses, especially when everyone's piled bumper to bumper.
10. Groom Yourself
It's also not a good idea to flip the overhead mirror open and start gelling up your hair, fixing your mascara, or doing a whole makeup routine. Your eyes should be on the road at all times, so letting your focus drift away even for a second is a big no-no.
What are some things you can do in a traffic jam to keep yourself entertained, then? Let's explore 10 creative ways.
1. Play a Podcast
Whether it's stories about unsolved mysteries, paranormal encounters, or successful entrepreneurs with good business advice, listening to a podcast is a great way to keep entertained when stuck in traffic. Honestly, you might get so invested in the episodes, it won't feel like you're in a jam at all.
2. Call a Friend
While you shouldn't use your phone when driving, most of us likely have hands-free equipment or Bluetooth capability in our cars, which comes in handy when you're stalled by traffic. If you have a friend or family member you've been meaning to catch up with, there's no better time to do it than now!
3. Jam to Music—at a Respectable Volume Level
Traffic jams can also be a great time to have your own little karaoke session—provided that you're not blasting it deliberately loud enough to drive your neighbours insane. Just put on your favorite playlist, turn the volume to a respectable level, and start jamming!
4. Talk to Yourself
This might sound silly, but talking to yourself is a great way to pass the time. You can describe the scene in front of you, give yourself a mini pep talk, or just voice aloud what you're doing. Talking to yourself can also be therapeutic when you're feeling stressed.
5. Play Games with Car Brands & License Plates
You can also play games with the scene in front of you. Try to name aloud all the car brands on the road, or try to come up with a fun abbreviation using their license plates. Before you know it, the time will zoom right by.
6. Organize Your Glove Compartment
When was the last time you organized your glove compartment? Chances are, it's been a long while. So what better time to sort it out than when you're stuck in traffic with not much else to do? Just remember to still keep your attention on the road and not get too invested in cleaning.
7. Play "I Spy" or 20 Questions
Have other passengers with you? Play "I Spy" or 20 Questions. For example, you can pick a random car on the road and have everyone else try to guess exactly which one you're thinking about. This gets especially fun (and tricky) if lots of vehicles on the road are the same model or color.
8. Journal Out Loud
Instead of just talking out loud to yourself about nothing in particular, you can also try journaling out loud. Again, making sure to use hands-free equipment, you can record your entries via the voice recorder on your phone or through a dedicated app.
9. Think About What to Make for Dinner
Planning dinner isn't easy, much less cooking it, and unless you've got a game plan ready, you're probably going to still be mulling over it when you finally get home. Instead of worrying about it later, think about what recipe to make now when you're stuck in traffic.
10. Practice Deep Breathing or Listen to Guided Meditations
Need to squeeze in a quick therapy session? Or is the traffic jam spiking up your anxiety? If so, what better time to practice some deep breathing or listen to guided meditation episodes than when you're stuck in traffic? This is a great way to do both at once!
