Heavy traffic

Driving on busy roads during rush hour is far from fun for any driver but can be particularly daunting for learners and new drivers. In fact, our number one tip for dealing with heavy traffic is to avoid it where possible. 

But driving in heavy traffic isn’t always avoidable, so it’s a good idea to know how to remain calm, alert, and not get overwhelmed. 

Here are our top tips for driving safely on roads with a high volume of traffic.

In this article:

• Driving in a manual vehicle
• Driving in an automatic vehicle
• Keeping a safe distance
• Practicing defensive driving
• Journey planning
• Keeping your cool

Driving a manual car in heavy traffic

Heavy traffic means you'll need to brake often and quickly, so clutch control and knowing your car's biting point are key. Keep your right foot close to the accelerator and brake, and your left foot close to the clutch. This will help prepare you to move and give you some extra time to shift gears to prevent stalling. Always keep an eye on how close the car is behind you by using your mirrors, you'll want to maintain a gap.

Be mindful of heavy traffic on an incline or a hill, always use your handbrake for extra safety. When moving off, disengage the handbrake, release the clutch slowly, and then release the break with a light tap on the accelerator.  Even when you're not on a hill, using the handbrake and putting the car in neutral can give you a bit of rest and help you maintain focus.

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Driving in an automatic vehicle in heavy traffic

Driving with an automatic gearbox is a lot simpler, most automatic cars have lower gear settings. Use the lower gears to improve your engine efficiency; lower gears will brake quicker because of "engine braking". These are usually marked on your gearstick by the letter 'D' followed by a number, like 'D2' or 'D3'. You'll want to use 'D3' or '3' for stop-and-go driving at high speeds and 'D2', '2' or 'S' (meaning 'slow') if you are driving up or down a steep hill, or slow-moving heavy traffic.

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Keeping a safe distance in heavy traffic

Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles is always recommended, and doubly so in heavy traffic. Leaving plenty of room increases your visibility, and you can keep a better eye on any potential congestion. Plus, vehicles are more likely to brake sharply in heavy traffic. You’re at a much greater risk of collision if you’re too close behind a vehicle known as tailgating. Read more on what is considered careless driving. 

Be sure to leave at least a 2-second gap between you and the vehicle in front. To time this, say “Only a fool breaks the 2-second rule” after they pass a marker, such as a road sign. If you pass this marker before you’ve finished the sentence, you’re too close.

Weather conditions

Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather, so leave a 4-second gap if the road is wet. Snow ploughs are unable to get through if the road is full of stationary traffic, so do not make journeys unless completely necessary.

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Practicing defensive driving in heavy traffic

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Journey planning in heavy traffic

As mentioned, the best way to deal with heavy traffic is to avoid it if you can. If it can be helped, avoid routes prone to congestion at certain times of day. For example, don’t pass schools during the school run, and steer clear of popular commuter routes at rush hour. If you can avoid peak hours on urban roads altogether, even better.

For longer and unfamiliar journeys, plan your route in advance. Find out ahead of time if any of the roads are prone to traffic jams and have an alternative route in mind. Also, allow extra time for the journey in case you get held up. Route planning apps are handy because they redirect you from congested areas in real-time.

If you're using your phone, research a good app and be sure your phone has got enough battery. If you can charge phone in your car, keep a charger in there so it's one less thing to be stressed about. You might be in the car longer than expected.

Make sure your phone is fixed properly in the phone holder, if it falls off, park up in a safe space and fix it back on. Having a passenger direct you can help too, but equally might throw you off – so find out what works for you. 

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Keeping your cool in heavy traffic

You should always try to remain calm when driving in heavy traffic. While this may seem easier said than done, heavy traffic is something you’ll grow used to.  

Try to limit distractions if you’re driving on a busy road. You might find it helps to listen to calming music, rather than something up-tempo. Or turn off the music altogether. Breathe deeply and steadily and keep your actions smooth.

If you’re finding it overwhelming, pull over at your earliest safe opportunity, and take a five-minute breather. If you’ve allowed extra time for the journey, all the better.

Finally, you should be patient with other drivers and road users.  If you’re on the receiving end of any anger, it’s best to ignore it. Taking the bait and reacting badly will only exacerbate an already stressful situation and could make you feel worse. No good can come of it, so let it go, and get on with your journey.

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