With the arrival of Christmas, cities concentrate a much greater volume of travel due to shopping, family reunions and leisure activities typical of these dates. According to data from the General Directorate of Traffic, in 2024, the total number of … Trips during this period have exceeded twenty million throughout Spain, increasing congestion on the streets and increasing stress for many drivers.
In large cities like Madrid and Barcelona, traffic pressure is intensifying, especially in commercial and tourist areas, despite the mobility plans activated by the authorities. The combination of more vehicles, more activity and less room to maneuver makes urban driving an additional challenge, making it even more necessary to adopt habits that promote a calmer experience.
Based on this situation and to help drivers travel more peacefully, Prima Seguros shares five practical tips to reduce stress when traveling in the city on these dates. First, avoid the busiest periods and choose days with less traffic for long journeys. Although the usual rush hours tend to focus on getting in and out of work, at Christmas the peaks shift: the afternoons of December 24 and 31, weekends or shopping days are particularly critical. Anticipating departure or choosing less crowded times can therefore make a big difference.
Likewise, intercity travel also increases on these dates. If possible, planning them during the week or early in the morning helps avoid the most intense moments on the road. And rushing is one of the factors that generates the most tension while driving. If you have a fixed time, plan your departure with enough margin to absorb the unexpected. This little anticipation not only reduces stress, but also promotes safer, slower driving, avoiding hasty maneuvers that could put your trip at risk.
There are also apps that offer real-time information on traffic, road closures or incidents. Consulting them before and during the journey allows you to identify more agile routes and avoid congested areas. In any case, it is important to always prioritize safety and not handle your cell phone while driving, only following instructions when it is safe to do so.
At Christmas it is common to carry bags, packages or gifts, which can generate noise, unexpected movements or distractions while driving. Keeping the car tidy helps create a clean and stable environment, reduces unnecessary stimuli and helps maintain concentration during the most demanding journeys.
Additionally, locating an area in advance to leave the car reduces the typical frustration of wandering around the city center. On these dates, opting for Sal with public parking spaces or less busy areas is a safe bet.
Finally, the greater influx of vehicles and possible traffic reductions encourage the identification of several alternatives to the main route. Having two or three possible routes ensures safety in the event of unforeseen events and reduces frustration if an unexpected incident occurs along the way. Although these guidelines contribute to calmer driving, small incidents, such as bumps, scrapes or minor breakdowns, are common when traffic increases.
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