1. Traveling on the highway during meal times – avoid peak hours, no congestion
There are fewer cars on the highway during meal times, and there are only a few key sections where traffic jams usually occur. Therefore, “try to pass through key sections during meal times, and you’ll find it much smoother.”
One netizen shared experience regarding the Beijing–Tibet Expressway: try to leave Beijing in the evening or afternoon, and enter Beijing before noon. Also, “when leaving Beijing, pay attention to intersection information. After reaching Nankou, get off the highway and take the mountain auxiliary road. Although it’s a bit farther than the highway, the chance of encountering a traffic jam is 90% lower than on the highway.”
2. Fill up with round-numbered amounts – avoid worsening congestion
Paying attention to some details while driving on the highway can also help you avoid congestion. Some netizens noticed that refueling is essential during long-distance highway trips. To avoid long refueling times that may cause or worsen highway congestion, “News Dalian” suggests: “When refueling at gas stations along the highway, always fill up with a round number. This reduces time-consuming actions like making change and helps alleviate congestion.”
3. Prepare dry food, fill the tank, and use the restroom
Since highway traffic jams have become all too common, you should “plan ahead” before getting on the highway and pack your “gear” to deal with possible congestion. For example, one netizen from “Baidu Zhidao” suggested that before going on a long drive, make sure to bring enough drinking water and food. This way, when a highway traffic jam occurs, you can ensure you have enough energy to cope. Experienced drivers also specifically remind drivers to “be prepared for not being able to reach a service area,” and to do three things before getting on the highway: prepare dry food, fill up the tank, and use the restroom.