🟢 Everyone hates traffic. And everyone thinks traffic is everyone else’s fault. Truth is… you’re not wrong. But chances are, you’re guilty of some bad driving habits too. (I know I catch myself more often than I’d like.)
The good news? There are simple habits you can adopt that actually help traffic flow — and keep the roads safer for everyone. Here are 5 big ones:
#5 – KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
This goes deeper than remembering where you parked. You should really know your ride:
- How long does it take you to accelerate to freeway speeds?
- How much lag is in your gearbox before it kicks down?
- How much room do you need to stop with a trailer hooked up?
A semi hauling a load needs a whole lot more asphalt to stop than a little commuter car. And your muscle car won’t launch like you expect if it’s stuck in 4th gear when you stomp on it.
Knowing your vehicle’s limits helps you merge smarter, judge gaps better, and avoid forcing the car behind you to slam on their brakes. It also keeps you aware of the guy tailgating you — so you know whether you’ll need to brake, or bail, in an emergency.
#4 – USE THE RIGHT PEDAL
Literally. Brake lights are contagious — one tap up front and suddenly a mile of red lights ripple backward like dominos.
Instead of tailgating and reacting, back off and use your accelerator wisely. Create a buffer zone. Ease off the gas instead of stabbing the brakes every time traffic shifts.
The result? Flow smooths out naturally. Less panic braking. Fewer slowdowns. And a much lower chance of someone rear-ending you.
#3 – USE YOUR SIGNALS
Think of turn signals as the universal language of driving. They’re not optional, they’re communication.
When you flick that stalk, you’re giving everyone around you a heads-up. Lane changes, merges, turns — all smoother, safer, and less likely to trigger panic reactions.
Skipping the blinker isn’t just rude — it causes chain reactions that back traffic up for no reason. Use it early, use it often.
#2 – CHOOSE THE CORRECT LANE
Lane choice is everything:
- Left Lane = Passing Lane. Not the “Fast Lane.” Think of it like a two-lane road with oncoming traffic. Use it to overtake, then move back.
- Middle Lanes = Travel Lanes. This is where steady cruising belongs. Pick a pace, stay predictable.
- Right Lane = Merge Lane. Keep this clearer when you can. It helps traffic entering or exiting match speeds smoothly without wrecking the flow.
Respecting lane purpose makes the whole system work better. If everyone used lanes properly, “phantom intersections” would practically disappear.
#1 – PAY ATTENTION TO OTHER DRIVERS
This might be the biggest one. Your mirrors, your blind spots, the guy weaving three cars back — all of it matters.
Defensive driving isn’t just about protecting yourself — it’s about anticipating what others are about to do. If you’re tuned in, you’ll see the brake tap before it happens, the late merger before they cut across, the distracted driver drifting out of lane.
The more you pay attention, the less traffic surprises you — and the less you add to the problem.
🚦 WANT PROOF?
Still think one brake tap doesn’t matter? Check out this short video — it shows exactly how small driving habits ripple into full-on traffic jams:
🏳️ FINAL LAP
No one’s perfect behind the wheel. But as that video shows, one driver’s habits ripple through everyone else on the road. If more of us practiced these five basics — knowing our vehicles, easing off the brakes, using signals, respecting lanes, and staying alert — traffic would flow smoother, accidents would be fewer, and commutes would be a whole lot less stressful.
So next time you’re stuck in a jam, ask yourself: Am I part of the solution, or part of the slowdown?
🏁 YOUR TURN
What’s the worst driving habit you see every day? Tell us in the comments — then share it on Instagram or Facebook and tag us @geauxbig so we can commiserate together. 🚗💨