Episode 15 – Exceptions to the Rule: When Not to Trust the Clock
Rush hour isn’t what it used to be. In this episode, we break down the new realities of traffic: weekend slowdowns, holiday gridlock, event chaos, and late-night construction. Learn why your commute might surprise you—and how to plan smarter using real-world data, not just the clock.

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🚦 New Episodes Every Wednesday at 8 AM ET!

Thanks for tuning in to Mastering the Commute!
Ready to take your driving to the next level? Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, dropping every Wednesday morning at 8 AM ET.

🎧 Join me each week as we tackle topics like merging mastery, the truth about phantom jams, and real-world strategies for safer, stress-free driving.

🔗 Don’t forget to test your driving skills with the free Drive Smart Quiz and see how you stack up against the average commuter!

🚗 Let’s rethink the way we drive—together.

Episode 14 – Distracted Driving: It’s Not Just the Phone

Most people think distracted driving means texting. But the truth? It goes way beyond that—and many of the worst distractions are the ones we don’t even think about.

In this episode, former LA traffic reporter Randy Keith shares a personal story about a distracted driving crash that happened before smartphones even existed. From grooming and grabbing a fallen CD to high-tech dashboards, heated arguments, and even daydreaming, you'll learn how distraction comes in many forms.

Randy breaks down the three types of distractions recognized by the NHTSA—visual, manual, and cognitive—and reveals how everyday behaviors can compromise your focus behind the wheel.

You’ll learn:

• What really counts as a distraction (it’s more than your phone)
• The overlooked danger of “mind-wandering”
• Smart strategies to reduce distractions in real-world driving
• How to approach driving with the mindset of a performer, not just a commuter

💡 Whether you're a parent, a teen driver, or a professional on the road daily, this episode will help you recognize hidden risks and develop habits to stay fully present behind the wheel.

👉 More resources at DriveSmarterNow.com

Send us a text

Support the show

🚦 New Episodes Every Wednesday at 8 AM ET!

Thanks for tuning in to Mastering the Commute!
Ready to take your driving to the next level? Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, dropping every Wednesday morning at 8 AM ET.

🎧 Join me each week as we tackle topics like merging mastery, the truth about phantom jams, and real-world strategies for safer, stress-free driving.

🔗 Don’t forget to test your driving skills with the free Drive Smart Quiz and see how you stack up against the average commuter!

🚗 Let’s rethink the way we drive—together.

Mastering the Commute: Episode 13 – How Highway Numbers Really Work (and Why I-60 Doesn’t Exist)

Ever seen a meme showing I-50 or I-60 running across the U.S.? Spoiler: they don’t exist—and there's a fascinating reason why. In this 6-minute episode, I take you through the history and logic of America’s highway and interstate numbering systems, from the old U.S. Highways like Route 66 to the massive Eisenhower Interstate system.

We’ll explore:
🚧 Why I-50 and I-60 were skipped
🛣️ The difference between U.S. Highways and Interstates
🔢 How loops, spurs, and 3-digit interstates get their numbers
🛑 The politics behind strange routes like I-99 and I-238
🌎 Why California and New York freeways love naming things (hello “the 405”)
🌾 What’s up with State Highways, County Roads, and Texas Farm-to-Market roads

🎯 Whether you’re a daily commuter or a fellow road geek, this one’s packed with facts you’ve probably never heard—plus a few rabbit holes for the truly curious.

📲 Get more maps, visuals, and extras for this episode at:

[Episode 13 page on our website]

📧 Have a highway mystery or a weird sign story? Email me: freewaytrafficexpert@gmail.com

📺 Don’t forget to subscribe and check out our new daily YouTube Shorts: @MasteringTheCommute
#InterstateSystem #HighwayMystery #MasteringTheCommute #RoadGeek #TrafficTips #USHighways #FreewayFacts #WhyNoI60

Send us a text

Support the show

🚦 New Episodes Every Wednesday at 8 AM ET!

Thanks for tuning in to Mastering the Commute!
Ready to take your driving to the next level? Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, dropping every Wednesday morning at 8 AM ET.

🎧 Join me each week as we tackle topics like merging mastery, the truth about phantom jams, and real-world strategies for safer, stress-free driving.

🔗 Don’t forget to test your driving skills with the free Drive Smart Quiz and see how you stack up against the average commuter!

🚗 Let’s rethink the way we drive—together.