Expert Advice from UNAM Specialists on Managing Holiday Travel and Stress
The planning of activities and transportation during the December season can be a crucial tool for reducing stress and preventing accidents, according to experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). This period is marked by increased traffic and service saturation.
Traffic Peaks and Holiday Activities
According to data from WAZE Mobile, peak hours in this season are primarily from Tuesday to Saturday, between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM. This time frame coincides with work dinners, celebrations, and increased trips to supermarkets, shopping centers, and department stores.
Additionally, people leaving Mexico City for other states contribute to road congestion and increase demand for taxi apps and personal care services.
Understanding Stress and Traffic Issues
Ricardo Trujillo Correa, an academic from the Faculty of Psychology at UNAM, explained that identifying and managing stress is essential in this context, as it can lead to traffic incidents. He emphasized that stress is not an individual problem but rather a result of environmental demands and expectations.
Trujillo provided an example of how the pressure to fulfill traditions, such as preparing a specific holiday meal, can unnecessarily increase tension. Better organization could simplify and calm the process. He also noted that traffic problems often stem from vehicle saturation, lack of alternatives, and inadequate public transportation, which are interconnected with social and political dimensions.
Expert Recommendations for Safer Holiday Travel
Trujillo recommended planning transportation schedules in advance, considering alternative routes, and being aware of additional risks like protests, parties, or road closures due to holidays. He also suggested using public transportation when possible and, if driving a personal vehicle, maintaining composure, wearing seatbelts, avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol or fatigue, and respecting safe distances.
Mario Alberto Ordaz Montes, subdirector of Road Infrastructure at UNAM’s General Services and Mobility Department, stressed the importance of technical precautions during this season.
- Maintain double the distance from the vehicle ahead
- Respect or reduce speed limits
- Conduct a pre-trip vehicle inspection, focusing on brakes and tires
Ordaz emphasized that children, pets, and passengers should travel in the back seat with appropriate safety devices. He reminded drivers that impaired or fatigued driving reduces reaction time, skill, and road attention. For motorcyclists, he stressed the heightened risk, advocating for helmet, protective clothing, and footwear use, limiting passengers to two per unit, keeping lights on, and avoiding dangerous maneuvers like overtaking on the right or invading confined lanes.
Towards Safer, More Efficient, and Sustainable Mobility
With better time management, adherence to traffic rules, and a proactive attitude, UNAM experts agreed that holiday-season stress can be reduced, leading to safer, more efficient, and sustainable mobility for everyone, fostering a shared responsibility.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why is planning important during the December season? A: Planning helps reduce stress and prevent accidents caused by increased traffic and service saturation.
- Q: What are common causes of holiday-season traffic issues? A: Traffic problems often result from vehicle saturation, lack of alternatives, and inadequate public transportation.
- Q: How can I manage holiday-related stress? A: Better organization, advance planning, and a proactive attitude can simplify processes and reduce tension.
- Q: What technical precautions should I take while driving during this season? A: Maintain double the distance from the vehicle ahead, respect or reduce speed limits, and conduct a pre-trip vehicle inspection.
- Q: How can I ensure a safer journey for my family and pets? A: Ensure children, pets, and passengers travel in the back seat with appropriate safety devices.
