I’ve spent years studying traffic from every angle—literally. I grew up in Southern California - when my family moved from the San Fernando to Santa Clarita Valley when I was 7, I would hand-draw maps and routes between my new and old home. At age 19, I began my traffic reporting career on KNX 1070. Still one of the busiest and most congested regions in the world, I wasn't just reporting on traffic jams; I was learning about the patterns and behaviors that create them, as I was driving in them too.
After leaving CA in 2008, I’ve driven thousands of miles across the country—from Seattle to Las Vegas, and Kansas City to Orlando. I’ve seen it all: aggressive drivers swerving through lanes, phantom traffic jams caused by sudden braking, and freeways with their own personalities. But my own driving journey wasn’t always smooth. At times, I was the aggressive driver, speeding to get ahead, constantly switching lanes, and feeling the frustration build up. It wasn’t until I began paying attention to my habits that I realized something had to change.
After years of reporting on traffic and driving tens of thousands of miles every year, I became obsessed with understanding how small changes in driving behavior could make a huge difference for everyone on the road. That’s when I started focusing on constant speed driving, defensive driving, and the science of traffic waves. I even improved my fuel efficiency, regularly hitting 39 miles per gallon on my 2018 Kia Rio—a gas-powered car, not a hybrid.
Now, I’m here to share what I’ve learned. Whether you’re stuck in rush hour traffic, navigating tricky freeway merges, or just trying to make your drive a little less stressful, this book is for you. It’s packed with the insights I’ve gathered over the years and actionable tips that will make you a smarter, safer driver.