Check on the Internet for traffic jams before you depart. Many traffic jams are caused by accidents, and motoring organisations, such as the RAC and AA, post updated travel news live on their websites 24 hours a day. The BBC also post traffic news as it happens with details of planned road closures due to roadworks, detailed by area.
Research alternative routes. Most traffic jams occur on the busiest A-roads and motorways. Using B-roads will minimise the chance of getting stuck in a jam and even if they look longer on paper and have slower speed restrictions they can prove quicker in the long term. ViaMichelin has route planners for the whole of Europe and offer alternative road suggestions, calculates driving time and cost and shows all incidents en route that might cause traffic jams.
Set your car radio to receive traffic bulletins. Many new car stereo systems are enabled with RDS, a radio data system that lets you know if the radio station you are tuned into has traffic bulletins. It can also interrupt CD playing every time there is a traffic announcement.
Install a Satellite Navigation system that receives live travel alerts. Many GPS (Global Positioning System) gadgets now utilise digital technology to monitor traffic flow. This information is then transmitted to your SatNav to help you avoid traffic jams. You will usually need to subscribe to the manufacturer’s traffic alert service to receive it.
Consider if you can travel at a different time. Many traffic jams occur during the morning and evening rush hour due to the simple volume of traffic. Travel outside these times if possible and if you are part of the daily rush hour commute ask your manager if you can work flexible hours, coming in and leaving work earlier or later in the day. They may even consider telecommuting, whereby you work from home and avoid commuting altogether.
Use public transport alternatives where available. The easiest way to avoid traffic jams is to take buses and trains instead of driving.
