Traffic is every driver’s nemesis. Even when vehicles are moving along at a steady pace, a slowdown can occur seemingly out of nowhere. Traffic can turn an enjoyable trip into one overcome by frustration. In addition to those headaches, idling on roadways contributes to air pollution, negatively affecting the environment. But is there anything drivers can do about traffic? In fact, there is.

Certain times of the day see more vehicles on the road than others. This occurs when people are traveling to and from work and school. If possible, alter your schedule so you are not driving with the masses. The National Safety Council says morning rush hour tends to fall between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and afternoon rush hour is between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. According to data from the traffic-watching firm Inrix, Los Angeles is second only to Washington, D.C. for traffic rates. Rush hour traffic in LA is 43 percent slower than it is during non-peak hours.

Learn other ways to get around so that you know how to avoid traffic if need be. Alternative routes can help drivers circumvent an accident that could derail their plans. Consider using a traffic app through your dashboard GPS system or smartphone. This way you can check for congested roads before leaving home and alter the route accordingly. Certain apps enable drivers who are on the road to send real-time information to other users about current traffic conditions.

Oftentimes traffic is the result of an accident that was caused by distractions or speeding. According to the legal guide Avoo, there are more than six million car accidents each year in the United States. A report issued by the Canadian Transportation Safety Board says more than 300,000 car accidents happen every year in Canada. Advocating for safety measures, including a “road diet,” may help. A road diet is narrowing of a road that makes drivers instinctively slow down. Roundabouts and speed humps also can cause drivers to slow down, as do speed enforcement cameras.

Establish a carpool or plan to use a train or bus to get around. This reduces the number of vehicles on the road, which is better for the environment. It also can be less expensive to take public transportation or split the ride with others, leading to less wear and tear on a vehicle and fewer fuel fill-ups. Plus, letting others drive on occasion frees you up to read, nap or catch up on social media.

Traffic is a concern across the country. Certain measures can help reduce traffic and others may make it easier for drivers to avoid it.