Most drivers, especially the new ones, feel like they’ve completely “forgot what they learned” when they encounter a ton of traffic. Too many cars, they all move at different speeds, no one acts the way they should, it gets scary. The thing is, heavy traffic is not a chaos, it’s a fast moving system. When you figure it out, you will not panic anymore because the system is predictable.
1. Stop trying to be everywhere
The thing new drivers tend to do is that they are trying to follow all the cars. That is the reason for your stress, panic and confusion.
You don’t need to pay attention to all the cars!
Your focus:
- You are responsible for YOUR car;
- The cars that could impact your driving.
- Leave all the unnecessary cars.
Don’t think of managing the traffic, you are driving within a traffic system!
2. Don’t do unexpected maneuvers in traffic
Traffic rules are very simple: don’t do unexpected maneuvers!
To be predictable in traffic:
- Use signals to indicate your intended direction;
- Don’t perform sudden lane changes;
- Maintain speed when possible;
- Avoid “rushed” decisions.
Remember that being predictable means being safe in traffic.
3. Leave enough distance (your mental gap)
One of the ways to panic is by following too closely behind another car!
Having enough space:
- Gives you time for a reaction;
- Allows you stay calm;
- You have time to make a braking decision.
Distance gives you your mental gap between being out of control and being controlled!
4. Learn to follow the flow of the traffic
Traffic is not a bunch of cars just moving around! The cars move like waves!
Once you start noticing:
- When and where cars slow down;
- When and where cars move freely;
- How cars react at intersections;
- How people drive in patterns.
You will know the flow and will not need to react!
5. Drive the flow of traffic, don’t try to control it
Many beginner drivers think that they need to “claim” space in traffic by being ahead or faster. There is no race!
Most experienced drivers do:
- Merging carefully;
- Take their time and wait until there is a gap;
- Do not do aggressive driving;
- Maintain stability in the flow of traffic!
Always remember that if you want to get to the goal faster you don’t try to control the flow of traffic, but to follow the flow of traffic!
6. Stay calm in tight spots
There will be moments in heavy traffic where cars are so close and speeds are fast!
During that moment you will need:
- Take deep breaths;
- Reduce your speed as possible;
- Pay attention to what is happening in front of you;
- Do not listen to your emotions!
Stay calm in tight spots and you will create space when other drivers don’t see it!
Conclusion
Heavy traffic is NOT about the speed! It’s about awareness of the surroundings! It’s about maintaining rhythm and emotions!
The moment you start not fighting the flow, but follow the flow of traffic, everything becomes more comfortable and the stress will be way lower! It will not take a year for you to become comfortable with driving in heavy traffic, it just needs a few training courses and you will be more than confident driving in the most stressful traffic you can encounter!