How to Avoid Driving Pitfalls

ByJanel
139 Comments

Nothing is worse than getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic and rushing trying to make it to an appointment, through the school drop-off queue or into work on time. We spend so much time on the road getting between all the different activities in the day. A great way to save time in your day and take on less stress is to save time on your commute! Here are tips to help you navigate the busy roads and avoid common driving pitfalls.

I received compensation and a TomTom GO 600 GPS for this post. All opinions are my own.

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Beat Rush Hour – The most frustrating time to be on the road is heading the wrong direction (or any direction!) during rush hour. Rush hour times can vary a bit by area, but generally the worst times to be heading into a big city is between 6-9 am and out of a city between 3-7pm. If you have flexibility to start early, take advantage of it! You’ll get out early, too, avoiding both rush hour slow downs.

Take Alternate Routes – If you get a bit creative and try different routes, you may find a gem detour that lets you avoid major slow spots along your route. Near us, we have one freeway exit sandwiched and a bit hidden between two major ones. We follow the back roads and get on the way less busy entrance and it saves a lot of time, and stress.

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Accident Reports – Staying ahead of where the accidents are on your route will help you stay safe on the road. You’ll be prepared for those nearly immediate stops that come on as vehicles approach a pull-over car if you know they’re just miles ahead. Or, you can get off on a different exit if it helps you save the time from the slowed traffic.

Avoid the Right Lane – On both surface streets and the freeway, avoid driving in the farthest right lane. The right lane is used for those turning and exiting, and often means slows. Unless you’re planning a turn or an exit, stick to the middle or left lanes.

Carpool – This may not always work, but if and when you can arrange a carpool, take advantage! It will save you tons of money on your travel expenses throughout the year as you save on mileage and gas by driving with others. You’ll also benefit from using the carpool lane during rush hour times.

Watch for Construction – Keeping alert on construction signs warning of an upcoming project in the works. This will help you avoid the times and dates of construction by taking a different route when possible. Knowing their will be construction on a road you can’t avoid will remind you to plan extra time on the road so you at least avoid the stress of running late from something out of your control.

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By using a smart GPS with built-in features to help me avoid driving pitfalls I am better able to be safe on the road and keep my stress low. The TomTom GO 500/600 GPS help you by using real-time traffic intelligence. It helps you get to your destination using the fastest route! TomTom covers 99.9% of the roads, more than any other traffic service available using the world’s largest database of traffic information!

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You connect your TomTom GO to the easy-to-navigate smartphone app. TomTom MyDrive allows you to plan your route before you leave the house and send it right to your device! You’ll be ready to hop into the car, hit the road, and save time avoiding those pitfalls all at the same time!

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139 Comments

  5. I will spend more time mindfully viewing what is going on around me, instead of anxiously rushing to get to where I need to be.

  7. With the extra time I have I will sit on my back porch and enjoy a cocktail

  9. I would take my children to the park and out for ice cream.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

  23. I would spend more time at attractions while on my roadtrip…knowing I wouldn’t have to worry about getting lost.

  30. We gave up all processed foods. Therefore, for me I spend more time in the kitchen making better healthier meals for the family. And, I enjoy it. Additionally, it really doesn’t take much longer if any longer to bring us better quality food.

  33. Super smart tips. Passing this one to my husband – he makes a lot of these mistakes. But I can pass it under the guise of winning a cool gadget!

  36. I will spend less time being aggravated on the road. I also memorize my directions so I don’t have to look at my paper instructions. This will make it quicker for me to get out the door.

  38. Tom Tom sounds like it would be a perfect gift for any driver. I love that it will offer you alternate routes and take construction into account.

  52. Such a great list of tips to avoid those pitfalls. I always love to take alternate routes, but it can be so hard if you don’t know the area!

  55. Oh man, I feel like my current GPS is currently always leading me far away from my destination! This would come in such handy and save me loads of time to spend with my family!

  56. I will spend the time I save by enjoying whatever my intended destination would be. There is nothing more stressful than trying to drive in traffic. The Tom Tom looks awesome!

  58. What a great idea. I am such a planner, and this would come in really, really handy. Thanks so much for the info and giveaway

  59. Driving (anytime, anywhere) is one of my least favorite things to do in life. I would rather walk, take public transport or just stay home whenever possible, but these are great tips for when one HAS to be out in traffic!

  69. With the time I would save I’d probably just enjoy some relaxation at home. Living is a busy city I’m constantly looking for ways to save on my commute.

  70. I’d spend more time with my family.
    I love that the TomTom Go 600 has such innovative features like advanced lane guidance (I hate when I’m driving somewhere new and realize my exit lane is on the opposite side!)

  71. I rarely go out at rush hour unless I absolutely HAVE to. These are all such helpful ideas!

  75. I would use it to not worry so much about the delay caused by other family members not being ready to go at the right time!

  86. I would stop and eat a good healthy meal at a good restaurant instead of a fast food restaurant. I would have more time for a sit down meal.

  88. I will have more time to explore and enjoy the moments with the family on vacation.

  89. will be able to enjoy the view instead of having to find out where everything is be nice espically on vacation

  94. With the time that I save with my new Tom Tom GO 500 GPS I will surely check in on the elderly in my neighbor as the oppressive heat of summer comes upon us. I am sure they will appreciate it.

  97. I can actually watch my favorite shows when they’re on instead of recording them and watching them weeks later.

  99. i wopuld sleep more,but im always getting into trouble without effort

  115. I would use the time I save to sit back and relax in a comfortable chair outside reading a great book .

  119. I will spend more time with my family!! I’m always looking for more ways to spend more time with them!

  123. I would used my free time to find new stores or fun things to do with my family.

  124. I would use all the time i say to stop at some of my favorite stores and do some shopping.

  128. There is nothing worse than getting lost! At least I would arrive at my destination without being frustrated!

  134. I’d use that extra time to de-stress by meditating or listening to relaxing music each day.

  138. More time with family and friends. I’ll actually have a chance to join Happy Hour with the work crew. My errands can get done with time to spare.

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