Posted on 10/31/2025
If you drive anywhere along the I-5 corridor in Washington, you already know how stressful it can get. Whether you're heading toward Seattle during the morning rush or sitting through backups on your way home to Covington, traffic congestion is a frustrating part of daily life. But staying calm isn’t just better for your mental health, it also helps you drive more safely and prevents added wear on your vehicle. Here’s how to manage stress during long commutes and make sure your car stays in top shape, even when you’re stuck in stop-and-go conditions. 1. Give Yourself Extra Time Whenever Possible Nothing increases driving anxiety faster than running late. If you know you’ll be driving during peak traffic hours, try building a time buffer into your schedule. Leaving just 10 or 15 minutes earlier can help you avoid the heaviest congestion and give you peace of mind when things slow down. Use a navigation app to check traffic before you leave ... read more