PSA: The average person spends 42 hours a year stuck in traffic

I was reading a city report about the 405 freeway in LA and saw that stat. That's basically a full work week just sitting there. It made me think, is that time completely wasted, or do you use it for something? I listen to audiobooks, so I've 'read' a ton. But my friend just stares out the window and calls it his quiet time. What's the better use of those lost hours? Do you try to be productive or just zone out?

3 comments

3 Comments

miles_fisher10d ago

That windshield time idea is spot on. I read an article about a study from the University of Virginia where people were left alone in a room with nothing to do. A lot of them chose to give themselves small electric shocks instead of just sitting with their thoughts. It made me realize we really avoid being alone with our heads now. Traffic might be one of the last places it happens by force. I don't turn off the radio, but I get why your friend just zones out. Sometimes that empty time is more useful than trying to cram in another podcast.

olivia39810d ago

Totally! I've had my best ideas in traffic.

wesley_adams11d ago

Heard a podcast where they called it 'windshield time'... the host said it's one of the last places we're truly alone with our thoughts. I've started turning off the radio sometimes, just to let my mind wander. It feels like a weird kind of meditation, staring at brake lights.