Traffic jams can be a nightmare, especially when you’re stuck in a sea of cars for hours on end. It’s even worse when an accident has caused the delay. The Boise I 84 Accident is a prime example of how a major incident can cause hours of gridlock, frustration, and contemplation of existence. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the Boise I 84 Accident, its impact on the driving experience, and the lessons we can learn from it.
What Happened in the Boise I 84 Accident?
On September 11, 2021, a semi-truck driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash and catch fire on the I-84 near Boise, Idaho. Thankfully, the driver escaped without injury, but the accident caused major traffic delays in both directions.
When you commute on I 84 and see a semi truck on the side of the road with a bunch of firefighters DO NOT BE EXCITED. TRAFFIC WILL BE A NIGHTMARE.
The accident occurred at around 3:30 PM and caused several miles of backed-up traffic in both directions, many drivers stuck in the queues for over 3 hours. The backup was so bad that some people decided to abandon their vehicles and walk to the nearest gas station to grab a drink or get to a restroom. Needless to say, it was an incredibly frustrating experience for all involved.
What Causes Traffic Jams?
Traffic jams can be caused by a variety of factors, such as accidents, roadwork, or just sheer volume of vehicles. In the case of the Boise I 84 Accident, the cause was the former. According to local authorities, the truck driver lost control of the vehicle on the wet road, causing it to slam into the median and burst into flames. This led to the highway being shut down for several hours while emergency services cleaned up the wreckage.
It’s worth noting that one of the most frustrating things about traffic jams is that they’re often caused by events outside of our control. There’s only so much you can do to prevent accidents or roadwork, so it’s important to have a good mindset and some entertainment options in your vehicle to get you through it.
How Traffic Jams Affect Your Mental State
Being stuck in traffic is more than just a minor inconvenience – it can affect our mental health in a variety of ways. For starters, it’s incredibly frustrating to be trapped in a car when you know there’s no end in sight. The feeling of being powerless can lead to anger, stress, and even depression. All of these emotions can have a ripple effect on other aspects of our lives, such as work or personal relationships.
“Sitting in traffic is like crawling through a tunnel, with no light at the end, and no way to turn around.”
Moreover, traffic jams can cause physical discomfort from sitting or being in the same position for extended periods of time. This can lead to back pain, joint stiffness or other illnesses. Even worse, the longer you’re stuck in traffic, the greater the risk of dehydration or other physical ailments.
What Can We Learn From Traffic Jams?
While traffic jams are never pleasant, they can teach us valuable lessons about how to approach our lives. For example, they remind us of the importance of patience, mindfulness and good planning skills. When we’re forced to sit and wait, it’s important to take a step back and reflect on our lives.
If you’re in a traffic jam caused by an accident, it’s also a good time to practice empathy and gratitude. While the accident may be causing major delays for you, it’s important to remember that someone else may be hurt, and that the accident could have been much worse.
Finally, traffic jams teach us to be prepared for the unexpected. Having a well-stocked car with snacks, drinks, and entertainment options is always a good idea in case of a delay. Also, keeping track of traffic reports and finding alternate routes can help you avoid jams altogether.
How to Survive a Traffic Jam
If you find yourself in a traffic jam caused by an accident, there are a few things you can do to make the experience more bearable.
1. Bring Entertainment Options With You
Whether it’s a book, magazine or your favorite podcast, having something to keep your mind occupied can make a big difference. Avoid stress-inducing activities like using your phone or checking your work email.
2. Stay Hydrated
It’s important to stay hydrated during long periods of sitting in traffic. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you and avoid sugary drinks or energy drinks as they can make you more dehydrated.
3. Take Breaks
If possible, take a break from your car and walk around for a few minutes. Even a short walk can help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
4. Be Mindful
Use the opportunity to practice mindfulness exercises like focusing on your breathing or doing a body scan meditation. These can help you stay calm and centered during stressful situations.
Conclusion
Traffic jams, especially those caused by accidents, are never fun. The Boise I 84 Accident is just one example of how a major incident can cause hours of gridlock and frustration. However, it’s important to remember that accidents can happen to anyone and that our mindset and preparation can help us survive them. By bringing entertainment options, staying hydrated, and practicing mindfulness exercises, we can make traffic jams a little more bearable.
Being stuck in traffic may never be an enjoyable experience, but by having a good mindset and some tips to help you through it, you can make the most of a bad situation.
Table: Tips to Survive a Traffic Jam
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Bring Entertainment Options | Whether it’s a book, magazine or your favorite podcast, having something to keep your mind occupied can make a big difference (e.g., Mad Libs, a cross-stitch kit, coloring book, or a word find puzzle). |
| Stay Hydrated | It’s important to stay hydrated during long periods of sitting in traffic. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you (Hint: camelbak) and avoid sugary drinks or energy drinks as they can make you more dehydrated (e.g., SmartWater, coconut water, or low sugar electrolyte packets). |
| Take Breaks | If possible, take a break from your car and walk around for a few minutes. Even a short walk can help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated (e.g., stretch, do yoga, or walk on the empty lanes). |
| Be Mindful | Use the opportunity to practice mindfulness exercises like focusing on your breathing or doing a body scan meditation. These can help you stay calm and centered during stressful situations (e.g., practice gratitude, visualize a calming location, tell yourself affirmations.). |
References:
- https://idahonews.com/news/local/i-84-westbound-shut-down-due-to-crash-involving-semi-truck
- https://time.com/3840685/traffic-jam-psychology/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-do-life/201406/trauma-traffic-jam
- https://www.drivesafetoday.com/resources/learning/15-survival-tips-for-traffic-jams