Smart ways to beat traffic as schools reopen in Gauteng
With schools reopening across South Africa, roads are expected to become much busier. Here are a few simple tips to help you save time and reduce the stress of commuting.
Traffic in Gauteng can be frustrating. Whether you’re commuting from Pretoria to Johannesburg or travelling between neighbourhoods in your city, a journey that should take 40 minutes can easily stretch into two hours during peak periods.
Long hours in traffic don’t just waste time, it can leave you feeling stressed, frustrated and already exhausted before your day has even begun. While you can’t avoid traffic altogether, there are a few smart ways to make your daily commute a little easier.
Plan your journey ahead of time
Give yourself extra travel time, especially during the morning and afternoon rush. If your job allows for flexible working hours, consider speaking to your employer about starting earlier or later to avoid peak traffic.
Know your route before you leave
Having a clear idea of where you’re going can save valuable time. Review your route before setting off so you can make informed decisions if traffic conditions change along the way.
Stay updated on traffic conditions
Check traffic reports before leaving home and tune in to your Jacaranda FM for live traffic updates. Reports on accidents, roadworks and congestion can help you avoid delays by choosing an alternative route.
Use navigation apps with live traffic updates
Apps such as Waze provide real-time traffic information, suggest faster routes and notify you of incidents along the way, helping you reach your destination more efficiently.
Learn alternative routes
Don’t rely on the same route every day. Familiarise yourself with different roads in your area so you have other options if your usual route becomes congested.
Keep an eye on the weather
Rain, fog and other weather conditions often slow traffic and increase the risk of accidents. Check the forecast before you leave and allow extra travel time when poor weather is expected.
A little preparation can go a long way. Planning ahead, staying informed and remaining flexible with your route can help make your commute smoother and less stressful, especially during the busy back-to-school period.
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