Pimp my (car) commute!
September 5, 2015 10:19 AM Subscribe
Just started a job with a 25-35 min commute. Please give me all the tips to make this as un-sucky as possible.
Commute is on moderately to heavily trafficked interstate from a city to a sprawl-ey suburban town. Car is 2007 Honda Fit. Job is fairly stressful so being able to relax and unwind (instead of ruminate on what I could have done better during the day) on my way home would be appreciated.
I'm specifically looking for:
1. Stuff to get for my car that will make it a nicer environment to be in (especially to make the seat more comfy!)
2. Apps for traffic tracking
But any other random suggestions from veteran commuters are helpful as well. I do a lot of podcasts and NPR already so am pretty set for stuff to listen to.
Commute is on moderately to heavily trafficked interstate from a city to a sprawl-ey suburban town. Car is 2007 Honda Fit. Job is fairly stressful so being able to relax and unwind (instead of ruminate on what I could have done better during the day) on my way home would be appreciated.
I'm specifically looking for:
1. Stuff to get for my car that will make it a nicer environment to be in (especially to make the seat more comfy!)
2. Apps for traffic tracking
But any other random suggestions from veteran commuters are helpful as well. I do a lot of podcasts and NPR already so am pretty set for stuff to listen to.
Congrats on the new job! Waze is my go-to for navigating traffic.
If you get bored with your current crop of podcasts etc., a subscription to Audible (or checking out audio books from the library) is more than worth it.
posted by shepard at 10:39 AM on September 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you get bored with your current crop of podcasts etc., a subscription to Audible (or checking out audio books from the library) is more than worth it.
posted by shepard at 10:39 AM on September 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
I have no help on 1, unless you're into those beaded seat covers. Though, actually, I'd say something like this is a good pairing with your traffic app of choice.
I can recommend Waze for #2, though honestly Google Maps does a pretty good job of traffic in my area
And my random suggestion is one you already have: PODCASTS. Oh man, they make my commute fly by, and I feel like I'm learning things. And depending on my mood, can pick something light or heavy. It's been wonderful. Beyond that, Audible, as others have said, is a good supplement.
posted by sazerac at 10:41 AM on September 5, 2015
I can recommend Waze for #2, though honestly Google Maps does a pretty good job of traffic in my area
And my random suggestion is one you already have: PODCASTS. Oh man, they make my commute fly by, and I feel like I'm learning things. And depending on my mood, can pick something light or heavy. It's been wonderful. Beyond that, Audible, as others have said, is a good supplement.
posted by sazerac at 10:41 AM on September 5, 2015
It seems that Waze is pretty data-intensive.
posted by kamikazegopher at 10:43 AM on September 5, 2015
posted by kamikazegopher at 10:43 AM on September 5, 2015
I have an hour commute each way.
I have a plastic bin that I keep on the passenger seat with tissues, pad of paper and pen (I am always thinking of something work related a few minutes after I leave--if I write it down I can then clear my mind and enjoy the drive), instant stain remover, some granola bars or other small, wrapped snacks, and breathe mints. It's my own little commuter survival kit and having everything contained in one spot keeps the car neater.
Also--keep looking for fresh podcasts! What a gift to commuters!
posted by bookmammal at 11:00 AM on September 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
I have a plastic bin that I keep on the passenger seat with tissues, pad of paper and pen (I am always thinking of something work related a few minutes after I leave--if I write it down I can then clear my mind and enjoy the drive), instant stain remover, some granola bars or other small, wrapped snacks, and breathe mints. It's my own little commuter survival kit and having everything contained in one spot keeps the car neater.
Also--keep looking for fresh podcasts! What a gift to commuters!
posted by bookmammal at 11:00 AM on September 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
Stop listening to NPR. If you're anything like me, you just get subtly worked up both by the stupid in the world and NPR's occasional stupidity (and the regular stupidity of my local station). Driving in traffic got so much better after I switched to the classical station.
posted by hoyland at 11:02 AM on September 5, 2015 [14 favorites]
posted by hoyland at 11:02 AM on September 5, 2015 [14 favorites]
I don't know where you live, but most public libraries have a feature where you can check out audiobooks directly to your phone via Overdrive. Listening to a really gripping novel can really change your experience of an otherwise dull and miserly commute.
posted by KathrynT at 11:15 AM on September 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by KathrynT at 11:15 AM on September 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
I used to drive a lot. Be careful not to make your car TOO comfortable; it'll make it that much easier to doze off or get distracted.
I preferred a regular, dedicated GPS system to Wave. No worries about data and not as distracting.
I also was a big fan of satellite radio, I actually preferred it to podcasts, mostly for the ease and surprise of finding new things to listen to.
posted by girlmightlive at 11:15 AM on September 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
I preferred a regular, dedicated GPS system to Wave. No worries about data and not as distracting.
I also was a big fan of satellite radio, I actually preferred it to podcasts, mostly for the ease and surprise of finding new things to listen to.
posted by girlmightlive at 11:15 AM on September 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
I have a 40ish minute commute, and my last job was more like 90 minutes.
Environmental Comfort
Fiddling with the seat adjustments can help with seat comfort. It is less about finding the perfect adjustment and more about finding something comfortable right now and being willing to change it in the future. I haven't really found aftermarket whatevers to be useful, as anything you add on top of the seat has the potential to get uncomfortably bunched up.
I think having something to drink helps. Make yourself some tea, or have a sparkling water stashed in the fridge to sip on the way home. I also really like to snack in the car, but that is really comfort eating and I'm hesitant to recommend that.
Keeping my car clean and organized helps. Have a stash of tissues, lip balm, gum, and other comfort items you routinely use. Also keep your windshield wiper fluid filed.
If you don't have one already, get a car charger for your phone.
Traffic
Google Maps tells me about traffic with stunning accuracy. I also use Google Now, so when I'm going home for the day I can just look at my cards. It knows I'm going home, and presents a card about the trip, color codes the card based on traffic, and recommends the best route to take. Not sure if this is an android-only option though.
posted by jeoc at 11:22 AM on September 5, 2015
Environmental Comfort
Fiddling with the seat adjustments can help with seat comfort. It is less about finding the perfect adjustment and more about finding something comfortable right now and being willing to change it in the future. I haven't really found aftermarket whatevers to be useful, as anything you add on top of the seat has the potential to get uncomfortably bunched up.
I think having something to drink helps. Make yourself some tea, or have a sparkling water stashed in the fridge to sip on the way home. I also really like to snack in the car, but that is really comfort eating and I'm hesitant to recommend that.
Keeping my car clean and organized helps. Have a stash of tissues, lip balm, gum, and other comfort items you routinely use. Also keep your windshield wiper fluid filed.
If you don't have one already, get a car charger for your phone.
Traffic
Google Maps tells me about traffic with stunning accuracy. I also use Google Now, so when I'm going home for the day I can just look at my cards. It knows I'm going home, and presents a card about the trip, color codes the card based on traffic, and recommends the best route to take. Not sure if this is an android-only option though.
posted by jeoc at 11:22 AM on September 5, 2015
Comedy and story-telling podcasts are great. Comedy really gets you a bit happier even stuck in traffic. I also always had an upbeat CD (or mix) as a backup. Talking Heads always makes driving better.
Does your local city have a traffic website or app? (For example Udot in Utah.) I found it very useful to check before heading out the door.
If your commute is anything like mine was, sometimes 10 to 30 mins can make-or-break it. I used to get in early and leave by about 4:45 and I was golden most of the time. But between 5 and 5:30 was insane! Then I switched my schedule and I left at about 5:45 and it was sooo much better! I still had to drive about 30 mins due to the distance, but I didn't spend an extra 15 minutes stuck in slow traffic. Try leaving at different times and see if it's worth getting in early or taking a long lunch.
Also, know your lanes. Figure out what lanes you need to stay in to get over quickly for your exit or turn. That saved a ton of time and mind power just knowing I could sit in the third lane most of the way.
Lastly, celebrate your landmarks. Figure out what's about halfway or almost home and when you get there you can be happy! You'll also get to know the route so you'll spend less time actually thinking about the driving and it will go much faster.
posted by Crystalinne at 11:32 AM on September 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Does your local city have a traffic website or app? (For example Udot in Utah.) I found it very useful to check before heading out the door.
If your commute is anything like mine was, sometimes 10 to 30 mins can make-or-break it. I used to get in early and leave by about 4:45 and I was golden most of the time. But between 5 and 5:30 was insane! Then I switched my schedule and I left at about 5:45 and it was sooo much better! I still had to drive about 30 mins due to the distance, but I didn't spend an extra 15 minutes stuck in slow traffic. Try leaving at different times and see if it's worth getting in early or taking a long lunch.
Also, know your lanes. Figure out what lanes you need to stay in to get over quickly for your exit or turn. That saved a ton of time and mind power just knowing I could sit in the third lane most of the way.
Lastly, celebrate your landmarks. Figure out what's about halfway or almost home and when you get there you can be happy! You'll also get to know the route so you'll spend less time actually thinking about the driving and it will go much faster.
posted by Crystalinne at 11:32 AM on September 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you don't have fixed hours, start and end work before everybody else so you don't have as much traffic.
posted by rhizome at 11:36 AM on September 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by rhizome at 11:36 AM on September 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
I commute about and hour each way along a fairly heavily trafficked highway (for its size, anyways) during rush hour.
Googlemaps/ Google Now works fairly well for me, it will usually up dated me with alternative routes if one becomes faster...if there is one (not a lot of options along certain areas of my particular route). One thing to keep in mind about traffic apps, in my experience, they tell you how things are currently: so if you are leaving work at the same time as everyone else, that direct route to the expressway that looks clear as you start your car may get backed up as you're arriving. I'd say don't make plans with a strict start time back near home the first week or so, until you get a good grasp for normal (which may change with seasons, classes, festivals, sporting events, etc).
If you're adventurous, try alternative routes now: a route that's a little slower on the map may have less aggressive drivers. I personally find an extra few minutes of smooth driving preferable to aggressive stop and go traffic (obviously this is a personal thing). Even if you don't find a route that you'd want to regularly use, having an alternative you already know is useful whenever the highway is shut down by an accident and your phone just won't work for some reason. Or maybe there's a route that will be really pretty in the fall/spring.
Pre-program your radio with acouple of different stations with traffic. Oddly I get the most useful traffic from the sports station located farther away than the closest NPR station (I commute between different metro areas), so consider listening around at first and you'll get an idea of when they do their traffic updates.
I've got a few playlists on spotify for various moods. Like hoyland, my local NPR can be annoying. But NPR One lets me pick an episode of a show I like (and they usually match up pretty well to my commute length), so I'll use that if I'm not in a music mood.
I try to fill up my tank on the way home, and I do that way before I'm close to E (I get a notice when I have a 40 milke range, such works well for me): that way I'm not stressed if the morning commute is longer because of an accident, or anxiously eyeing my tank when I'm at a standstill for no reason.
And nthing flexing start/end times if you're lucky enough to have that option.
posted by ghost phoneme at 11:39 AM on September 5, 2015
Googlemaps/ Google Now works fairly well for me, it will usually up dated me with alternative routes if one becomes faster...if there is one (not a lot of options along certain areas of my particular route). One thing to keep in mind about traffic apps, in my experience, they tell you how things are currently: so if you are leaving work at the same time as everyone else, that direct route to the expressway that looks clear as you start your car may get backed up as you're arriving. I'd say don't make plans with a strict start time back near home the first week or so, until you get a good grasp for normal (which may change with seasons, classes, festivals, sporting events, etc).
If you're adventurous, try alternative routes now: a route that's a little slower on the map may have less aggressive drivers. I personally find an extra few minutes of smooth driving preferable to aggressive stop and go traffic (obviously this is a personal thing). Even if you don't find a route that you'd want to regularly use, having an alternative you already know is useful whenever the highway is shut down by an accident and your phone just won't work for some reason. Or maybe there's a route that will be really pretty in the fall/spring.
Pre-program your radio with acouple of different stations with traffic. Oddly I get the most useful traffic from the sports station located farther away than the closest NPR station (I commute between different metro areas), so consider listening around at first and you'll get an idea of when they do their traffic updates.
I've got a few playlists on spotify for various moods. Like hoyland, my local NPR can be annoying. But NPR One lets me pick an episode of a show I like (and they usually match up pretty well to my commute length), so I'll use that if I'm not in a music mood.
I try to fill up my tank on the way home, and I do that way before I'm close to E (I get a notice when I have a 40 milke range, such works well for me): that way I'm not stressed if the morning commute is longer because of an accident, or anxiously eyeing my tank when I'm at a standstill for no reason.
And nthing flexing start/end times if you're lucky enough to have that option.
posted by ghost phoneme at 11:39 AM on September 5, 2015
Perform frequent experiments with different routes. You may not optimize the time/distance, but you'll learn new things about your area ("Hey, that restaurant looks interesting..."). And it's just good to have options -- you'll feel more in control and therefore more relaxed. "I think I'll go this way today."
Also, if you're in an urban area, pay attention to cab drivers. You'll learn things by watching them -- which laws they bend -- because they're ruthlessly optimizing their driving.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:55 AM on September 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Also, if you're in an urban area, pay attention to cab drivers. You'll learn things by watching them -- which laws they bend -- because they're ruthlessly optimizing their driving.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:55 AM on September 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
nth-ing Waze, which is actually owned by Google and starts where Google Maps leaves off.
Spotify is great, though you need to either commit to listening to entire albums in advance or make playlists in advance so that you're not fiddling with it while moving. They also have standup comedy albums, which is awesome.
I'm a big Doctor Who fan and the Big Finish audio adventures are making my commute more entertaining.
And podcasts, of course.
As for physical stuff, my favorite car accessories are:
Automatic, a little dongle that plugs into your car's error code reader and can do things like track mileage, auto-send texts depending on location (ex. "I'm at the grocery. Want anything?"), and of course, alert you to and explain error codes.
Tylt Ribn 4.8 A car charger. Some people think all cell phone chargers are basically the same. Wrong wrong wrong. See that "4.8A" in the name? Yup: 4.8 amps. That's about 5-10x as powerful as the ones they sell at the gas station, and more than twice as fast-charging as even the brand name ones meant for larger devices like tablets. Using this charger allows me to start with a completely depleted battery and drive to work using Waze, while listening to podcasts or Spotify, and still get there having amassed 25-35% battery in 40 minutes. That is insane.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 11:59 AM on September 5, 2015
Spotify is great, though you need to either commit to listening to entire albums in advance or make playlists in advance so that you're not fiddling with it while moving. They also have standup comedy albums, which is awesome.
I'm a big Doctor Who fan and the Big Finish audio adventures are making my commute more entertaining.
And podcasts, of course.
As for physical stuff, my favorite car accessories are:
Automatic, a little dongle that plugs into your car's error code reader and can do things like track mileage, auto-send texts depending on location (ex. "I'm at the grocery. Want anything?"), and of course, alert you to and explain error codes.
Tylt Ribn 4.8 A car charger. Some people think all cell phone chargers are basically the same. Wrong wrong wrong. See that "4.8A" in the name? Yup: 4.8 amps. That's about 5-10x as powerful as the ones they sell at the gas station, and more than twice as fast-charging as even the brand name ones meant for larger devices like tablets. Using this charger allows me to start with a completely depleted battery and drive to work using Waze, while listening to podcasts or Spotify, and still get there having amassed 25-35% battery in 40 minutes. That is insane.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 11:59 AM on September 5, 2015
My commute's about 3-4 hours a day. The things that work for me:
-Waze
-A clean car interior, so I don't have stuff rolling around and loose
-Something to drink
-Gum
-Podcasts (RadioLab, The Moth, and Car Talk, especially)
-Audiobooks
-Letting friends know I prefer phone calls to texts, and also catching up on phone calls on the way home
-An empty bladder
-Figuring out when to leave my house and office in order to optimize traffic. This takes some tinkering, but is SO worth doing.
posted by culfinglin at 12:41 PM on September 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
-Waze
-A clean car interior, so I don't have stuff rolling around and loose
-Something to drink
-Gum
-Podcasts (RadioLab, The Moth, and Car Talk, especially)
-Audiobooks
-Letting friends know I prefer phone calls to texts, and also catching up on phone calls on the way home
-An empty bladder
-Figuring out when to leave my house and office in order to optimize traffic. This takes some tinkering, but is SO worth doing.
posted by culfinglin at 12:41 PM on September 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
The biggest difference in enjoyability (or lack thereof) to me is how much time I allow for it, not how long it takes.
When I'm in a rush, everything is irritating. NPR sucks. The music on my iPod is stale. Other drivers are idiots. When I have plenty of time, NPR is interesting, I enjoy replaying guilty pleasures on repeat from my iPod, dumb drivers are amusing, maybe I'll take an alternate less-efficient route on a whim, etc.
It's worth it for me to trade a 15-30 min loss on purpose for being rushed, stressed out, and pissed off all the time. Plus, arriving early isn't so bad either.
posted by ctmf at 1:16 PM on September 5, 2015
When I'm in a rush, everything is irritating. NPR sucks. The music on my iPod is stale. Other drivers are idiots. When I have plenty of time, NPR is interesting, I enjoy replaying guilty pleasures on repeat from my iPod, dumb drivers are amusing, maybe I'll take an alternate less-efficient route on a whim, etc.
It's worth it for me to trade a 15-30 min loss on purpose for being rushed, stressed out, and pissed off all the time. Plus, arriving early isn't so bad either.
posted by ctmf at 1:16 PM on September 5, 2015
Also, I don't know what your normal driving habits are, but attempt to drive slower than average. It probably has more of an effect on a longer commute; 35 minutes seems pretty short to me. But having to pass slower drivers all the time is surprisingly cumulatively exhausting and you don't realize it until you don't have to do that very often. Cruise control and chill. (Around here, exactly the speed limit is just about right for that.)
posted by ctmf at 1:25 PM on September 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by ctmf at 1:25 PM on September 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
When I quit listening to NPR and switched to audiobooks and podcasts for my 40ish minute commute, my homicidal impulses dropped by a zillion percent.
Two pairs of good sunglasses (in case you sit on one).
Figuring out the optimal time to leave for work even though it technically gets me there early also cut down on my rage.
Never, ever looking at my phone while the car is moving. Ever. The number of times I've come thisclose to getting sideswiped by assholes who think they can read/text/check traffic/do whatever the fuck else on their phones has taught me this.
posted by rtha at 4:12 PM on September 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Two pairs of good sunglasses (in case you sit on one).
Figuring out the optimal time to leave for work even though it technically gets me there early also cut down on my rage.
Never, ever looking at my phone while the car is moving. Ever. The number of times I've come thisclose to getting sideswiped by assholes who think they can read/text/check traffic/do whatever the fuck else on their phones has taught me this.
posted by rtha at 4:12 PM on September 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'm just wrapping up a month of a two hour commute (one way). It has sucked.
Entertaining Audible downloads, and / or audio books. Base them on interest and entertainment - I could do light history books, but not, say, A Brief History of Time, which requires more of my active attention.
Keep bottles of water and granola bars handy, and get a nice sturdy travel coffee cup that does not leak every time you wear a white shirt.
Gas up after work just before you get home, so you don't have to lose timing to traffic on the way out or forget until you're sucking fumes on the way in in the morning.
posted by mibo at 5:36 PM on September 5, 2015
Entertaining Audible downloads, and / or audio books. Base them on interest and entertainment - I could do light history books, but not, say, A Brief History of Time, which requires more of my active attention.
Keep bottles of water and granola bars handy, and get a nice sturdy travel coffee cup that does not leak every time you wear a white shirt.
Gas up after work just before you get home, so you don't have to lose timing to traffic on the way out or forget until you're sucking fumes on the way in in the morning.
posted by mibo at 5:36 PM on September 5, 2015
Driving the speed limit is so relaxing! The only thing I can add is to pay attention to the number of stop lights on your route. I find that choosing routes with the least amount of stoplights gets me there quicker, and is the least stressful.
posted by coldhotel at 6:10 PM on September 5, 2015
posted by coldhotel at 6:10 PM on September 5, 2015
Gah, NPR. I was knowledgable about news of the world but constantly depressed about everything they talked about... NPR's smug spin on how everything sucks and we're all powerless against the Republicans made everything horrible.
That said, once I stopped caring if other drivers saw me singing or rocking out my commute became much better.
posted by bendy at 9:43 PM on September 5, 2015
That said, once I stopped caring if other drivers saw me singing or rocking out my commute became much better.
posted by bendy at 9:43 PM on September 5, 2015
Waze's app is junky and sucks down data. Google maps has 90% of the same info at this point and will even prompt you to take a quicker route if it notices one exists, but without hogging data or having the tiresome interface. It also sucks battery, although i generally have my phone plugged in when i'm in the car.
I'm always surprised at how many people constantly tell me "wait, you're not using ZanyAppThing for maps?" whenever they see i'm using google maps. But nope, the traffic-avoidance on gmaps is fine. It even shows wrecks and stuff just like waze now.
posted by emptythought at 2:46 AM on September 7, 2015
I'm always surprised at how many people constantly tell me "wait, you're not using ZanyAppThing for maps?" whenever they see i'm using google maps. But nope, the traffic-avoidance on gmaps is fine. It even shows wrecks and stuff just like waze now.
posted by emptythought at 2:46 AM on September 7, 2015
I've had a 45 minute commute for the last 4 years. I used to listen to NPR exclusively, but then I got bored with the same old stories, so I switched to audiobooks at the end of last year and that has made a HUGE difference. I actually look forward to getting in the car to go to work (and come home, but that's kind of a given) because I can get back into my story!
I also try to make sure I have something to drink, especially on my drive home.
And, a habit that I need to get back into - I used to make sure I filled up my gas tank when I got back into town on Friday evenings, regardless of how full the tank already was. I don't typically drive a lot over the weekend, so it was always nice to be able to get into the car on Monday morning and not have to worry about stopping to get gas or figuring out when I was going to go sometime over the weekend. I actually need to go out today to fill up the tank and I'm kind of dreading it! I don't know why I stopped doing this, but maybe this is the week I start doing that again.
posted by hetobeto at 8:37 AM on September 7, 2015
I also try to make sure I have something to drink, especially on my drive home.
And, a habit that I need to get back into - I used to make sure I filled up my gas tank when I got back into town on Friday evenings, regardless of how full the tank already was. I don't typically drive a lot over the weekend, so it was always nice to be able to get into the car on Monday morning and not have to worry about stopping to get gas or figuring out when I was going to go sometime over the weekend. I actually need to go out today to fill up the tank and I'm kind of dreading it! I don't know why I stopped doing this, but maybe this is the week I start doing that again.
posted by hetobeto at 8:37 AM on September 7, 2015
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posted by AugustWest at 10:37 AM on September 5, 2015 [6 favorites]