One, hit the highway during meal times to avoid peak congestion
During meal times, there are fewer cars on the highway, and there are only a few key sections where traffic jams occur. Therefore, "try to pass through key sections during meal times, and you’ll find it much smoother."
A 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."
Two, fill up with round-numbered amounts to prevent worsening congestion
While driving on the highway, paying attention to some details can also help you avoid congestion. Some netizens noticed that during long-distance highway trips, refueling is essential. 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."
Three, pack dry food, fill up 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 prepare your "gear" to deal with potential congestion. For example, a netizen from "Baidu Zhidao" suggested that before embarking on a long drive, be sure to bring enough drinking water and food. This ensures you have enough energy to cope when the highway is congested. 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: pack dry food, fill up the tank, and use the restroom.