Ah, the dreaded traffic jam—a driver’s nightmare, especially when you’ve got places to be and people to see.
If you’ve found yourself stuck in gridlock one too many times in NSW, you’re not alone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore tips and tricks to help you steer clear of congested roads. We’ll also delve into the best navigation apps, like Google Maps and Live Traffic NSW, to ensure that you’re well-prepared for your next journey.
Planning Ahead: Prevention is Key
One of the best ways to avoid traffic is to plan your trips meticulously. Use a good navigation app to get a sense of your route, factoring in time of day, alternative routes, and weather conditions. Especially during peak hours or holidays, some roads can be congested beyond belief.
Tips for Planning Ahead
Avoid Peak Hours
Traffic during peak hours is often unavoidable unless you steer clear of the road entirely. If possible, plan your trips outside of these busy times.
Check Road Conditions
Before you leave, quickly review any roadwork, major events, or weather that could affect your route. Several apps can help with this, which we’ll discuss later.
Plan Alternative Routes
Always have a Plan B. Knowing alternative routes can be a lifesaver if your primary route is unexpectedly congested.
Listen to Traffic Reports
Classic but effective. Traffic radio channels can give you real-time information on road conditions.
Factor in Weather
Rain, snow, and fog can have a significant impact on road conditions. Always consider the weather when planning your trip.
Behavioural Tips While on the Road
Your behaviour on the road can also significantly affect your journey’s efficiency. Here are a few things you can do as a driver to contribute toward a smoother traffic flow.
Maintain a Steady Speed
Rapid acceleration and braking can lead to traffic jams. Maintaining a steady speed keeps traffic flowing more smoothly.
Don’t Tailgate
Keeping a safe distance from the car in front is not only good for your safety but also prevents sudden stops that could cause a chain reaction leading to a traffic jam.
Use Indicators
Always signal your intentions well in advance to keep the traffic moving smoothly.
Be Courteous
While you may be tempted to put your own needs above others on the road, selfish driving can actually make your journey longer when all is said and done. Let people merge, avoid road rage, and adhere to the road rules. It’s not just good manners; it’s good for traffic flow.
Best Navigation Apps Australia
Today, several apps can provide real-time information to help you navigate through traffic efficiently. Below, we’ll discuss some of the best traffic report apps and navigation apps to keep your journey as smooth as possible.
Google Maps
Most of us are familiar with Google Maps, but did you know you could select Live Traffic at the bottom of the map? Once you do this, choose ‘Typical Traffic’ from the menu and pick the day and time you want. The map will update automatically, displaying the typical traffic patterns you can expect to see at that specific time of day. This feature is incredibly helpful for planning your drives ahead of time.
Live Traffic NSW
Live Traffic NSW is an excellent NSW traffic app for locals. Managed by Transport for NSW’s Transport Management Centre, this live traffic app provides real-time information about roads and changed traffic conditions throughout NSW. Whether it’s scheduled roadwork, major events, weather events, or other unplanned disruptions, this app keeps you in the loop. It’s arguably the best app for road traffic when it comes to NSW-specific updates.
Other Noteworthy Apps
- Waze: A community-driven app where users report traffic conditions in real time.
- HERE WeGo: This app offers public transit information alongside regular traffic updates.
- Apple Maps: If you’re an iPhone user, Apple Maps has significantly improved its traffic updates in recent years.
- TomTom GO: This road trip app offers offline maps along with live traffic updates.
Be Prepared, Be Insured
Avoiding traffic jams takes a bit of preparation, a touch of courtesy, and the right tools at your fingertips. With apps like Google Maps and Live Traffic NSW, you’re already well on your way to a smoother ride through the NSW roads.
Let’s not forget the importance of being insured while on the road. All NSW drivers need a Greenslip or CTP insurance to legally drive on NSW roads. Greenslips 4 Earth’s CTP Calculator allows you to easily compare Greenslips prices from leading insurers so you can hit the road with peace of mind.
