What to do While Stuck in Traffic

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian ·  

No matter whom you are or what you drive, no one likes to get stuck on an interstate without movement. Here are some things you can do when thinking what to do while stuck in traffic.

Of course, as a truck driver, you have to contend with “no idling” laws in some states. But when you’re stuck in traffic, the choice of not idling isn’t really something to be concerned with. You’re not the only vehicle on the road that’s idling when the traffic isn’t moving.

Instead of getting upset about the amount of time you’re losing sitting still, you can use that time to actually accomplish something. Can you believe it? There are a number of things you can do while the truck’s at a stand-still that may make your job a little easier.

• Do yoga to relax. Did you even know you could do yoga in your vehicle? Well, you can! In fact, yoga is one of the best exercises to lower your stress level. Can you think of a better place to reduce stress than when you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic? Search online for yoga exercises you can do in small spaces or find a video for doing yoga in your car. You could adjust it to meet your needs while driving a truck.
• Make a call. People frown upon anyone driving and talking on a cell phone because the driver is distracted and not paying total attention to their driving or what’s going on around them. If you’re not moving, use that time to “reach out and touch someone”? There’s no chance you’ll cause an accident if you’re not moving, so take advantage of the time you can talk without worry. The benefit is that you’ll also be able to end your call when traffic starts to move again.
• Get a snack. Take a few minutes to reach back and get a piece of fruit or another snack. This will give you energy you need so you’ll be ready to hit the road when the traffic clears. Getting a bite to eat might help your outlook, as well.
• Check your email. If you have a laptop computer, you can use your time sitting still to check and answer your email. If you can type out a couple of emails while you’re waiting, you’ll have more time later to relax or sleep.
• Learn a new language. There are many language programs that use audio to help you learn. You may need a compact disk player for this, or if you have a laptop computer, you can use that. If you’re not going anywhere, you may as well learn something even if it’s nothing more than a phrase or two.
• Play a game. Do you have a hand-held game system? Take a mental break by playing while you wait. This may be a great way to relax so you’re not so keyed up about not going anywhere.
• Verify your route. Most truck drivers have routing software. Since you’re not going anywhere for a few minuets, why not take the time to verify that you’re headed the right direction, which exit you need to take next, and if there’s an alternate route you can take to make up time.

There’s no reason to wonder what to do while stuck in traffic. You can use one of the ideas above or think of some of your own. The point is to do something with the time you’re given rather than allowing yourself to get upset.

Every Driver Has Had One Of Those Experiences Only Us Drivers Can Relate To! Had An Experience On The Road You’d Like To Share? Leave your comments now and enter to win a $500.00 gas card. We give away one each month and you can be our next winner… Click Here To Enter Now!

Want to  Watch those  extra pounds drop off  naturally while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com/home

Post a comment

• Polls

  Do you think the speed limit should be changed to 55 MPH?

  • Yes
  • No

  View Results

   Loading ...

• Recent Articles

  • The Taxman Cometh
  • Trim the Trucking Expense Fat
  • What to do While Stuck in Traffic
  • What’s a Trucker to Do for Retirement?
  • Biodiesel: All It’s Cracked Up to Be?
  • GPS and Other Routing Software
  • Help for Truck Drivers with Sleep Apnea
  • No Rest for the Sick DRIVER
  • On-Board Safety
  • Start Planning Mother’s Day for Women Truckers Now

• Categories

  • Money Saving Tips
  • Resources
  • Secrets To Fuel Savings
  • The Healthy Trucker
  • Trucker Lifestyle
  • Women Truckers

• Archives

  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008

• Links

  • The Truckers Edge