Have you ever been enjoying the open road only to have another driver come along and do something that really grinds your gears? We’ve all had our fair share of frustrations behind the wheel (and maybe even caused a few ourselves). Sharing the road is a two-way street, and acknowledging some of the most common pain points can help us all be more alert and considerate behind the wheel. 

1. Not letting drivers merge. We’re all just trying to get where we need to go, right? Taking turns may not be fun, but you’ll sure appreciate it the next time you’re at another driver’s mercy. When a lane is ending or there is a lane closure, the safest and most effective way to merge is a “zipper merge,” which encourages drivers to use both lanes until the lane ends.  

2. Inching forward at red lights. Sometimes that green light has a mind of its own. C’mon already! Just try to remember that traffic lights are put in place for a reason, and being a few inches closer to your destination won’t affect your ETA one way or the other. 

3. Finishing your morning routine in the car. Treating the road like it’s your personal dressing room or restaurant can be a huge distraction — not just for you but for other drivers as well. We all like to look our best and save time, but next time you’re running late, hold the finishing touches until you arrive. After all, it’s called being fashionably late for a reason.

4. Tailgating. Remember your middle-school dance chaperone? Personal space is the name of the game! This isn’t NASCAR, so “rubbing is racing” need not apply here. On average, drivers should allow one car length for every 10 miles per hour to have enough time to stop or react.

5. Road rage. Traffic jams and bad weather can test your patience, but it’s important to keep your emotions in check. When stress levels rise, try listening to relaxing music or taking a few deep breaths. While you can’t control other drivers, you’re fully in-charge of your behavior. Taking the high road is always the smart move.

Avoiding these five roadway pet peeves is a great start to reducing stress behind the wheel, but do you know what really makes a road trip a breeze? Always knowing where to find your next pit stop. With nearly 1,500 locations, Cenex® is never far. Wherever the road takes you, you can always find the Cenex nearest you with our mobile-friendly LOCATIONS FINDER.
 
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