During rush hours, traffic in Washington, D.C. can be a nightmare.It's natural to want to know how to avoid traffic around Washington, D.C.To figure out the fastest routes, use technology.Stay calm if you get stuck in traffic.
Step 1: You should change the time you drive.
A change of time can affect your commute.Cut down on driving time if you leave before or after rush hour.The morning commute in major cities can be difficult.Leave an hour earlier than usual.It may take awhile to get used to the new sleeping patterns, but it will be worth it to make it work on time and avoid the rush.A change of 15 minutes in your departure time may make a big difference to your commute.You should plan on avoiding rush hour.You can expect a lot of traffic from 5 to 6 when many people get off work.If you want to avoid getting stuck in rush hour, make your evening plans later in the evening.There are many people working for the Federal government in Washington.Some people who get in early may leave at 2:30 or 3:00.Rush hour starts earlier and ends later.Construction workers start early and leave early as well.This could be a local problem.
Step 2: Try other routes.
During certain times of the day in DC, popular highways, like I-95 and I-70, may be packed.If you want to get to your destination faster, there are alternative routes you can take.Be flexible.More people are using alternate routes.Many people have to drive from I-270 to I-70 west to catch one of the exits on I-68.Route 44 and alternate 40 are the best options as traffic can get bad here.The road is historically preserved and should get you in the same area.You will get a good view as you drive with less traffic.You can take an alternative route if you want to get to the Chesapeake Expressway.You can take route 17 to I-64 from Exit 126.This will keep you from being stuck in traffic.On days when traffic is particularly congested, you can try to take main roads over the highways.
Step 3: Leave early or late on Fridays.
There will be a lot of cars on the road on Fridays.People who commute from the suburbs can get stuck on the highway.It's not a good idea to take any major highways in the evening.If you need to meet someone on a Friday, take public transportation or choose a route that doesn't require driving on the highways.Leave late on a Thursday.People leave earlier and earlier around holidays.Late night driving is the best if you are up to it, but you may have to contend with people leaving the bars to go home.
Step 4: Prepare for delays on Tuesday mornings.
The Tuesday morning commute in major cities is usually the worst.Leave earlier on Tuesdays for work or other obligations.If you can, try to stay off major highways on Tuesdays.On other days, the traffic may be heavier for your route or neighborhood.Unless more businesses allow working from home, the situation will continue to get worse.
Step 5: There are traffic updates on the radio.
Traffic patterns can be unpredictable.Accidents and construction can delay traffic in unexpected ways.It's a good idea to listen to traffic radio in your area.WTOP in DC has traffic reports.You can listen to their radio station while driving, and you can check the website's traffic section before you leave the house.If there is a car accident, you will be able to quickly plan an alternative route to avoid traffic.Even the smallest of protests can have a big effect on traffic.It's called Waze.You can use a smart phone application to alert you to traffic.If bad traffic causes you delays, it can change your journey.You can usually find out where a traffic build up is located.There are patches of highway that are congested by cars and they are marked by red bands.If you need an alternative route, it will tell you how long the delay will be.You can also find out where you're likely to find police officers with the help of Waze.This can help you avoid traps.
Step 6: Check the maps on the internet.
Time estimates are provided by Google Maps.When you punch in your destination, you can choose from a number of different routes.The time estimates for this route are based on traffic.You can adjust your trip based on where you're likely to encounter traffic.
Step 7: Some major cities have stations dedicated to traffic reports.
You will not have to wait for "Traffic on the fives".
Step 8: Consider using public transportation.
There are metros in DC that are quicker than driving.Metros will not be affected by traffic delays.You can look up metro routes online or use a gps app.If a metro can get you to your destination quicker than driving, you may want to use public transportation.I've never found the bus any faster, but this may be true.Metrorail will become a mess as repair work will continue throughout the next year due to safety concerns.It is cheaper to drive when the fares and parking at stations have increased.Even with traffic, using the train won't save you a lot of time.Try something.Be flexible.My mileage is not the same as yours.Taking the metro can save you money.You'll end up stocking up on gas less often if you pay a small fee to board.You can take a bus, but be aware that it will be affected by traffic as much as cars.
Step 9: If it is a short distance, walk.
This may be quicker if you can walk.You will be able to use the sidewalks, which are blocked by cars.It may be quicker to walk most days if the distance is reasonable and you're a seasoned walker.DC is a high stress city.Walking regularly can help you manage stress and save you time.Take it slowly if you're not in shape.Don't walk 2 miles to and from work every day.Before attempting to walk to work instead of driving, you should take a few small walks around your neighborhood.
Step 10: Invest in a bike.
There are a lot of bike trails in Washington DC.If you enjoy biking, you might be able to take a bike trail to where you need to be.If you can ride a bike, it may be quicker than driving.Like walking, biking is a form of exercise that can reduce stress as well.When biking near the street, be careful.You should wear protective gear.You can check out Capital Bikeshare.If bike stations are close by, this may be a great option.Be careful with the cars.There are a lot of frustrated drivers.Obey all traffic laws.You can get a traffic ticket if you blow through a red light or stop sign.Stay safe, please!You should wear a helmet.A reflective vest is a great idea.
Step 11: Stay calm.
Everyone gets caught in traffic even with proper planning.Delays due to traffic are inevitable in a big city.If you're caught in traffic, remain calm.It will only make the situation worse if you get upset or anxious.Take a few deep breaths.You want to focus on the road when you are driving.Anger can be caused by stress over traffic.You can find a way to take your mind off the situation.You can listen to a song or a show on the car's radio.There is a book on tape.You can find a calm, relaxing station on the radio.You shouldn't text, email or play games on your phone.Don't use hands free calling.It's the law.
Step 12: Keep up with the other cars.
You don't want to cause a traffic jam for yourself or other cars.Keep an equal distance between the two cars.It's important to drive at the same speed as the cars behind you.As this may force other drivers to slow down suddenly, try not to accelerate to catch up to the car behind you.This will cause the traffic jam to get worse.
Step 13: Let people know if you are running late.
There are a lot of reasons for traffic delays in urban areas.Call and let people know you're late.Make sure to wait until the cars are stopped on the highway when you dial a number.Don't make tardiness a habit.At a certain point, your boss or associates will expect you to work around traffic delays.