7 Things You Need To Do When You're Stuck In A Traffic Jam

Toronto highways have turned into parking lots during rush hour. In fact, it can be terribly demoralizing to sit in your car for over an hour just to get home after a hard day at work. The 401 and QEW are parking lots, and all you can do is sit there, hang tough, and not fall asleep. 

Here are some tips for dealing with the rush hour parking lot:

1. Remove Distraction: Driving in heavy traffic is draining on the senses--you have to concentrate on a number of things that can quickly fry out your nervous system. The worst thing you can do is crank up the Rolling Stones, and start texting your friends. Instead, turn off your music--or if you insist on music, put on something more soothing, like classical--turn off your cell phone; and if you have passengers who are talking your ear off, kindly tell them to be quiet. You need to pay full attention to the road.

2. Stay Cool: If it's a warm day, keep the interior cool--it will help you stay alert. Rolling the windows down might be too noisy, so keep the air conditioner running on a cool temperature. 

3. Chew on Gum: Having gum or candy in the car is important when you need to focus. There's something about chewing gum or eating candy that stimulates your brain. 

4. Keep your Distance: It's easy to get edgy and tail-gate the car ahead of you; but this can be dangerous. The traffic on the highway during rush hour is highly unpredictable--all it takes is one person hitting his or her brakes and you can be in a major collision. Keep the 3 second rule between you and the car ahead of you. If you're in the left lane and the 3 second rule is driving people behind you crazy, move into a calmer lane. 

5. Look Far Ahead: If you can, direct your gaze about 5-10 vehicles ahead of you. When you see brake lights 5 cars ahead, you'll have more time to respond. 

6. Signal: It's easy to throw all caution to the wind and just jump in and out of lanes. But it's important that you communicate your intentions by using your signals. Communication on the road during heavy traffic is critical. 

7. Get off the Road: If you've broken the 2-hour mark, and you're at a standstill, you can just pull off the highway and take a break. Stop at a restaurant, Tim Hortons, or some other place and chill out. It's better to take even longer to get home than run the risk of accident, or meltdown.