Westgate Collision

How to Survive that Killer Commute

I bet you wouldn't be shocked to learn that traffic in your city is getting worse every day. You leave the house right on schedule and begin your commute with aspirations and positive thoughts, only to get caught up in traffic. It happens more common than you'd think, and it's become a major dilemma that has reached the serious stage from LA to NYC and everywhere in between.

At Westgate Collision, we hate traffic like everyone else here in Raleigh, NC so here are some tips about what to do when you're caught in traffic.

Based on a 2017 Traffic Index study conducted by TomTom, a GPS company, Los Angeles is the very worst gridlocked city in the country, followed by other congested larger cities including San Francisco, New York, Seattle, San Diego, San Jose, Miami, Portland, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Washington DC, and Boston, for example.

It probably impossible to avoid traffic jams, but you can surely avoid putting yourself through a stressful commute by adding a little spice to your otherwise boring drive.

Audiobooks, Anyone One?

Audiobooks are simple and convenient to listen to during your commute , because they won't distract  you while they're entertaining you for many miles. They can also make for an ideal companion when you are stuck in heavy traffic. You can select one that interests you from companies like Audible, or even rent one from your neighborhood public library, and then transport yourself to a more pleasurable time.

Get Into an Engaging Podcast

There are a number of podcasts out there right now featuring a wide range of eclectic topics that are highly informative, educational  and entertaining. Take time during your commute to laugh and learn on a subject that you're passionate about  that interests in you. Several podcasts that have garnered attention publicly that may be worth checking out are: Serial, Grep Proops--the Smartest Man in the World, the Danny Rettig Show, The Splendid Table and TED Radio Hour.ical 

Try All Your Musical Options

Whether you dig jazz, classical, rock, opera, country or pop, you can use innovative sites such as iTunes, Amazon Music and Tidal to listen to new music and build up your playlist. Use your commute as a chance to discover new artists and make certain that you pick music that’s upbeat and positive, rather than depressing, to avoid any road rage moments.

Sources: Forbes, TIME and AOL