Eight days a year in traffic… and we’re actually enjoying it? Apparently, South Africans are making the most of every honk, jam, and pothole.
A recent global study led by automotive company Autotrader shows that South Africans rank among the most relaxed and productive drivers during their daily commute.
It is explained that the average commuter worldwide spends eight days, five hours, and 53 minutes each year behind the wheel getting to and from work, drivers in South Africa report finding the experience particularly enjoyable.
According to the study, 72% of South African drivers describe their daily commute as relaxing, the highest percentage among the countries surveyed. This is followed by the United States (57%), New Zealand (55%), Germany (54%), and the Netherlands (53%).
Despite long hours on the road, many South African drivers use their commute as a moment of calm.
The study found that 82% listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, 47% enjoy some quiet time alone, and 32% find driving itself to be an enjoyable part of the day.
However, commuting is not without its challenges. Globally, 34% of drivers describe their commute as stressful, with India, Greece, and Mexico leading in commuter tension.
In SA, congestion on busy urban routes contributes significantly to commuter anxiety, although drivers here still report high levels of enjoyment compared to other nations.
Traffic congestion is cited by 84% of drivers globally as the biggest frustration, with South Africa ranking among the highest at 92%.
Bad driver behaviour is another source of irritation, cited by 70% of commuters worldwide, with the UK and Netherlands topping the list at 76%.
Car reliability also affects the commute experience. South African drivers reported the most disruptions, with 84% experiencing car faults that impacted their journey in the past year. By contrast, drivers in the Netherlands (68%), New Zealand (66%), and the USA (63%) reported mostly problem-free commutes.
For 30% of commuters globally, the journey leaves them feeling drained, with nearly two-thirds (65%) wishing they could feel more productive.
Productivity expert Emily Austen, author of SMARTER: 10 Lessons for a More Productive and Less Stressed Life, said: “One of the biggest misconceptions about productivity is that it only counts if you’re visibly producing something.” She added: “We need to match our energy to a task in order to excel.”
Austen encourages commuters to rethink how they view their travel time: “Planning your playlist for the morning means that you are setting an intention for your mood. You’re reducing decision-making and any issues for your commute. Reducing decision-making is productive. Protecting your mood is productive.”
She also noted: “Productivity on your commute doesn’t mean working, in fact the 82% of people who spend their commute time listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks are being productive already.”
For those who prefer a quieter, reflective drive, Austen said: “Find time to be present and grateful for the current experience you are having, rather than thinking about the next twenty-four hours. If your commute is the only uninterrupted thinking space in your day, that matters and should be enjoyed.”
It is revealed that some SA commuters reported some of the highest levels of productivity in the study, with 94% feeling productive during their journey. India followed at 93%, Greece at 77%, Mexico at 76%, and Italy and Portugal at 73%.
When asked what could improve their commute, 65% of drivers said a newer or more comfortable car would help. In-car technology (58%), better seats (50%), and improved fuel efficiency (49%) were also cited.
Erin Baker, car selling expert at Autotrader, said: “We often think of commuting in terms of time, but how that time feels is also just as important. Commutes play a huge role in your day-to-day experience, whether that’s the stress of sitting in traffic or the simple pleasure of listening to your favourite podcast.
“If you’re considering a change, it may be worth looking at whether your current car is helping or hindering your commute. Selling your car for a newer model won’t fix the roads, but improved comfort, efficiency and modern features can make the drive to work feel noticeably easier.”
SATURDAY STAR