NAVIGATING TRAFFIC IN REHOBOTH BEACH & the Coastal Highway
Navigating beach traffic in Delaware can be a challenge, especially along the coastal highway. Road construction, poor traffic conditions, traffic jams and accidents can all hamper what you expected to be a leisurely getaway. We're sure sitting in stand-still traffic isn't what you had in mind for your vacation, so don't fret — we at Crust and Craft are here to help guide you through and around any tricky coastal Delaware traffic conditions you might find yourself in.
With our helpful tips, you can find yourself getting that rest and relaxation you deserve while beating all the traffic congestion that comes through Rehoboth Beach, DE.
Plan Your Trip
Planning your trip is absolutely essential to keeping your time on the road pleasurable and short. We know there are plenty of destinations you want to get to, and planning that itinerary around a number of factors can help you better visualize your trip.
The availability of GPS has made this process much easier, but even GPS can be pretty limited in terms of giving you the best path. That's why it's valuable to:
1. Know Your Route
Taking the quickest route that gets you from point A to point B may seem like the most alluring way to your destination in Rehoboth. However, while Coastal Highway seems to be the obvious choice, thousands of other drivers think so too. That's why it's important to know Route 1 as well as alternate routes to Rehoboth Beach.
Getting sidetracked a little bit is part of the journey. Knowing what side road you're on and using any number of guides — road signs, physical maps, GPS, the Waze app or Google Maps — will help you get back on the beaten path.
2. Check the Weather updates
Checking local news to get an update on the weather will directly influence the route you plan to take and when. If southern Delaware road conditions make traveling difficult, you should expect more motorists on main thoroughfares than side roads. This traffic can extend your travel time, especially when traveling side roads is ill-advised.
The weather in Rehoboth Beach is ever-changing all year-round, so it's important to check for updates often and exercise caution if conditions are unfavorable.
3. Look for live DelDOT Traffic Advisories
Traffic delays will always be a major hindrance to travel and commuting. Lucky for you, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has a live list of advisories, closures and delays. The list includes everything from road closures and accident reports to construction times and places.
This resource coupled with the live traffic cameras should give you a good idea about the best times to drive in Rehoboth Beach and all of Sussex County. If you're already on the move, you can tune into 93.7 WSTW for real-time traffic alerts, while staying alert at the wheel.
4. Check for Local Events
This may be the one that escapes us most often. Crowds of people flock to Rehoboth Beach for events such as the Firefly Festival or the Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival, making the already challenging Delaware vacation traffic that much worse.
Keeping yourself apprised of local events will prove useful when it comes to avoiding the traffic they bring along with them.
Take Your Time!
Getting somewhere safely is the key to getting there at all, so make sure you're using the best practices while driving:
Be patient: Traveling at excessive speeds will only get you to your destination a few seconds faster than had you just followed the speed limit. You're much better off following the rules of the road so you don't risk getting a ticket or causing an accident.
Be attentive: If you're a chronic cellphone user, put your phone down. Turn it on airplane mode if you must, but don't allow yourself to be distracted.
Be courteous: If you happen to be able to move over and let someone enter from an on-ramp, use your turn signal and do it. Traffic is much more bearable when the road is a kinder place.
Be defensive: If you're driving toward traffic that's at a stand-still, don't wait until the last minute to slam on your brakes. Slow down ahead of time and you may catch the traffic just as it starts moving again. Studies have shown that most traffic jams aren't the result of accidents or stationary traffic, but a stray driver slamming on their brakes and causing a chain reaction.
Take a Break
You don't need to be a racecar driver to know that driving can be exhausting. Maintaining awareness of all your surroundings at all times causes a certain degree of mental fatigue, and it often comes with physical fatigue if you're having to navigate stop-and-go traffic.
You could start to feel anxious with traffic constantly passing you and following you. You may even begin to feel angry — why are there tractor-trailers parallel to one another across all three lanes, traveling the same speed?
We've all been there. And we know that means it's time to pull over and take a break. You might opt to get out and stretch, or even take a quick walk. It's often wise to get out and take a few breaths of fresh air to calm down after an especially aggravating instance. Creating a new playlist with some relaxing music on it might help as well, or you could stop and get a snack. But what to eat?
To us, it seems like an obvious answer — really, the only answer.
Come Take a Break With Us!
Don't let a long drive bring you down.
Wood fired artisan pizza awaits you here at Crust and Craft! Conveniently located on the corner of Coastal Highway and Bryan Drive, we have exactly what you need to rejuvenate after a long, tiresome haul through traffic: a slice of hot, hand-crafted pizza made with fresh, authentic ingredients.
Pizza not what you had in mind? We also offer a variety of fresh seafood, Italian pasta specialties, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. Our daily happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. — just ask your server for details.
Choosing the best time to drive in Rehoboth Beach may be tricky, but finding incredible pizza isn't. Stop in at Crust and Craft for a dining experience that makes it all worthwhile.