There are a number of reasons why we’re happy to be in the fleet management services industry. One of them is the satisfaction of getting busy professionals where they need to be. The other is avoiding traffic jams. We suspect we’re not alone, but one of the worst things to be created in the 20th century is the traffic jam. There’s something immensely satisfying about altering your GPS route at just the right moment, and sailing past a traffic situation where forward momentum has completely stopped.

But here’s the thing...what if something goes wrong with your GPS? What if you forget it? It can be dangerous to rely on technology too much without a backup plan, otherwise you’ll have serious problems. We know you’ve got better things to do than sit in traffic, which is why we’d like to share a few tips to keep in mind. Read on and learn how to avoid the nightmare of gridlock.

• It’s true in so many aspects of life that timing is everything. Barring an accident, most traffic jams happen at particular times of day, and it shouldn’t be tough to find out what those times of day are. Then, plan on leaving an hour before rush hour, or an hour after it. Simply adjust your departure time as well, and you can gain travel time and lose stress.
• If your GPS isn’t working, or it isn’t with you at all, find a local news station on your vehicle’s radio. Most larger towns and cities have at least one station that gives you traffic updates every 15 minutes or so.
• Watch a crowd of people for an extended time, and you’ll see that it changes and evolves, does unexpected things when you least expect it. Traffic jams are exactly the same, and they can either linger or quickly dissipate. If you hear about a jam ahead of time, don’t take the risk. Instead, take an alternate route so that you don’t have to get involved.
• Having said that, remember that if you opt to take an alternate route, a bunch of other people probably have the same bright idea. It’s common for alternate routes to clog up within 10-15 minutes of an accident taking place. Sometimes, the smart move is to stay where you are while everyone else bugs out. Once the accident is clear, you can go on your way and not be stuck in another jam.
• Depending on where you live and work, this next suggestion might not be entirely practical. If you’re constantly fighting through rage-inducing traffic, why not check to see if public transportation is a smarter option? Do a little investigating to see if bus, train, or light rail lines will get you where you need to go. You can benefit by reducing your carbon footprint, and having time to relax on your commute with a book.
• Along similar lines, if a car is a cumbersome form of transportation for you, what about using a motorbike, scooter, or a good old bicycle? Many cities are investing in bike paths which can get you where you need to go. Better yet, the ride is far more pleasant and you’ll get some fantastic exercise.