According to a Citydrive survey, more than half of the capital city’s drivers face traffic congestion each week, with about one in five stuck daily. The study captured attitudes and behaviors during gridlock, offering a window into how people cope with long waits behind the wheel (Citydrive survey).
When cars creep along, drivers turn to familiar ways to pass the time. The most popular activity is listening to music or radio, chosen by a third of respondents. Social networks are browsed by about one in every five drivers, while messaging apps are used by roughly one in five as well. A notable portion engages in self-directed learning through podcasts and audiobooks, and a smaller group even sings along as a form of distraction during the jam (Citydrive survey).
Beyond entertainment, some drivers fill the delay with practical or quirky routines such as knitting, applying makeup, shaving, or even a quick session with a psychologist for stress relief during extended slowdowns. These varied responses show how people adapt to stop-and-go traffic in real time (Citydrive survey).
What did people observe in the traffic jam?
During gridlock, a small share of respondents reported unexpected sights or moments. About 5% witnessed the sunrise from inside the car, and an almost identical portion noticed dancing passengers in other vehicles. There were anecdotes of drivers who stepped out to perform pushups, as well as stories of car neighbors playing chess with a passenger. One participant even claimed to have seen a meteorite streak across the sky. These anecdotes underscore how extended delays can stretch the imagination and turn a commute into a series of surprising little episodes (Citydrive survey).
Winter stands out as the most frustrating season for congestion, with about 30% labeling it the peak season due to holiday rush and weather concerns. Summer and spring follow, with roughly one-quarter and one-sixth of drivers respectively recognizing them as busier periods on the roads (Citydrive survey).
About problems
fatigue and drowsiness are the top concerns, cited by about a quarter of respondents. Passenger discomfort and driver physical strain also rank highly, indicating that prolonged stops take a measurable toll on comfort and focus (Citydrive survey).
Additionally, around one in five drivers notes that nearby motorists seem to become more aggressive during jams. A similar share worries that fatigue erodes concentration and attentiveness behind the wheel. Yet a sizable minority remains calm, and roughly one-fifth even finds some amusement in being stuck in traffic (Citydrive survey).
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The survey drew insights from 1200 participants across Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other parts of the Russian Federation, offering a snapshot of how urban drivers cope with recurring delays (Citydrive survey).
A picture: Depositphotos
Vote – win Lada!
Readers are invited to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix vote to help identify the year’s standout car novelties. The initiative invites feedback and engagement from the driving community as they weigh in on the latest automotive releases (Citydrive survey).
As a token of appreciation for time spent, three ferrets are offered in a prize draw among survey participants. The opportunity is open to everyone who completes the questionnaire before the stated deadline, making the experience both informative and potentially rewarding (Citydrive survey).