When you work in the logistics industry, it’s inevitable that you’ll eventually end up in a traffic jam. Not just slow moving traffic, but a full on jam that you may be stuck in for hours – complete with bumper to bumper vehicles at a standstill, with not a side road in sight to escape down.
While it’s tempting to get angry – after all, you’ve got owner driver courier jobs to complete – it’s important that you try to keep your cool. Here is a list of what you should and shouldn’t do while stuck in a jam.
DO Have a Snack
Eating while driving is perfectly legal, so use this time to snack on something healthy. You’ll raise your blood sugar and gain some much needed energy (not to mention kill a few minutes). Waiting out bad traffic is stressful and can take a while, and having hunger pangs is only going to make you even more frustrated and irritable.
Top Tip: It’s important to remember that while having a bite isn’t illegal, careless driving is – so make sure munching on your granola bar isn’t distracting you from the road.
DON’T Use Your Mobile Phone
Using your mobile phone while you’re driving is always illegal – even if you’re 100% stationary. If you need to make a call, you’ll have to pull over to a safe place and turn your engine off before you give someone a ring.
DO Have a Listen
If you’ve got a lot of owner driver courier jobs to complete, that means you’re already spending quite a bit of time in your vehicle. So, chances are you’re well stocked with music. However, traffic jams are the perfect time to start that audio book or podcast you’ve been putting off.
When you’re at a standstill, you’re not giving all your attention to other drivers or what turn you need to take next, which means you can focus on the plot of a story. Time will pass much faster when you’re engrossed in a novel or lecture; you might even get so into it that you’re almost hoping the jam doesn’t clear up!
DON’T Leave Your Vehicle
Believe it or not, there have been reports of people getting out of their vehicles during traffic jams to stretch their legs or play a game of football. Police say that’s a no go, even if traffic isn’t moving, so make sure you remain inside your cab at all times.
DO Work Out
If you’re feeling restless, antsy and cooped up from being stuck in your cab with nowhere to go, you can still work out inside your vehicle. From torso twists to ankle rotations to shoulder shrugs, there are lots of little ways you can get your body moving without ever standing up. Exercise, no matter how minimal, will boost your mood, help pass the time and relax you.
Top Tip: Do some research to find some simple exercises you can do while stuck in traffic.
Anyone who has owner driver courier jobs to complete knows that traffic jams can be a nightmare. Next time you get caught in one, keep these dos and don’ts in mind to stay safe, legal and entertained. You’ll be speeding down the open road again before you know it!
Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day owner driver courier jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.
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