How to survive Los Angeles traffic

It's universally recognized that Los Angeles, California has some of the worst traffic in the world. With perfect weather, near 365 days of sunshine, and wonderful California culture, LA traffic often remains the most difficult thing for people to adjust to.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car GPS with live traffic updates
• Patience
• Audiobooks
• A zen-like attitude

1. 
   Sigalert gives details about where accidents have occurred, and where the traffic is heaviest

   No matter how much people warn you about it, you'll never understand LA traffic until you experience it first-hand. In a city lacking any comprehensive public transportation, navigating through the bloated, stressed highway system is usually the only way to travel.
   
   Before you even leave the house and get in the car, your new best friend will be the web site "SigAlert," (http://www.sigalert.com). Here, you can receive live traffic updates for LA's major highways. Green means you're ready to go, yellow is caution, and red means it's time to find a different route entirely.

2. 
   GPS units with live traffic updates are becoming more and more affordable

   Although Sigalert is a great resource, the traffic can change instantly in Los Angeles. One accident can turn a flowing, five-lane highway into a gridlocked mess. To stay up-to-date from your car, you'll want to invest in a GPS with live traffic updates. Units like these are more affordable than ever, and will pay for themselves in the hours of your life you save every month.

3. 
   An audiobook is a great way to pass the time

   Have a good supply of audiobooks on hand, for every type of occasion. Try listening to easy read, best sellers at first, because they don't require all of your attention, and are usually the most entertaining.
   
   If you have the ability to play MP3s through your car radio, websites like Audible (http://www.audible.com) have great libraries of inexpensive audiobook MP3s.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch for patterns in traffic, and learn when to avoid the roads. If possible, try to get more flexible work hours and avoid having to drive during rush hour (8:00am - 9:00am, 5:00pm - 6:00pm).
• If possible, drive on Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) as an alternative route. You'll be right on the ocean, which makes any amount of traffic easier to deal with.
• Although underfunded and somewhat anemic, the LA public transit isn't entirely nonexistent. Check the Los Angeles Metro to see if there are any buses or trains you can take as a break from driving
• Once you see traffic, avoid cutting in and out of lanes. Some appear faster, but you're actually slowing down the whole process for everyone. Just keep your head on straight and power through it.

Resources

• Buy Garmin 265WT GPS with Live Traffic Updates at Amazon
• How to have fun in Los Angeles
• Buy Audiobook MP3s at Audible.com
• Los Angeles Sigalert

[jenng]

on 5/24/2009 Great article on how to survive la traffic 5*

[athome]

on 5/18/2009 Can this really be done,survive LA traffic? 5*****

[geekmommy4]

on 5/11/2009 Thanks for the information on surviving LA traffic! All pointers are appreciated for dealing with it!