Ten Tips to Pass the Time in Traffic -- or Not End Up in Traffic At All

    ATLANTA--May 9, 2001--According to the Urban Mobility Report release this week, the average American spends 36 hours per year stuck in traffic, up from 11 hours in 1982.
    The study found the total congestion "bill" for the top 68 cities in 1999 came to $78 billion in lost worker productivity, 4.5 billion hours of wasted consumer time and 6.8 billion gallons of wasted fuel. With traffic headaches increasing year over year, AutoTrader.com, the leading Internet automotive classifieds destination and marketplace in the United States, offers these tips to pass the time while you're stuck behind the wheel or alternatively, how to avoid getting caught in traffic in the first place.

How to Avoid Getting Stuck in Traffic

1. Telecommute.  Working from home saves gas, keeps one less vehicle 
   off the road and could improve productivity.

2. Listen to traffic reports before hitting the road.  Tuning in to 
   local TV or radio stations for updates on congested roads
   allows you to take an alternate route to destinations.

3. Carpool.  Sharing a ride as little as once a week allows you to 
   use the HOV lane, which could cut drive time in half.

4. Use mass transportation/ride a bike/walk.  Public transportation 
   (or using your own two feet) to get from place to place
   reduces the amount of emissions and pollutants in the air.

5. Plan driving times during off-peak hours. Use your vehicle during 
   times when the roads aren't being used to commute. Wear and tear on 
   your car is reduced due to constant stopping and starting and the 
   time wasted by not sitting in traffic can never be replaced.

How to Pass Time During Rush Hour

1. Exercise.  Neckrolls or upper body stretches are good ways to 
   relieve tension and warm up muscles. Stretching hands can also
   aid in the prevention of carpel tunnel syndrome.

2. Learn a foreign language.  Pop in an audio book or CD in the stereo 
   and become bilingual. This time you can't use the excuse
   that you're too busy.

3. Familiarize yourself with your car. If you've never cracked open 
   the owner's manual, pull it out of the glove compartment and learn 
   what makes your car tick. You might finally discover what that red 
   flashing light means on the instrument panel.

4. Study a map.  Discover a new route to take next time so you won't 
   get caught in stopped traffic in the first place.

5. Clean the car's interior.  Wipe down the dashboard, organize the 
   gas receipts or put the CDs back in the right sleeves. Keeping your 
   surroundings tidy does wonders for your subconscious when sitting 
   in traffic.