Traffic can be very frustrating, even on a holiday.

On Easter, I traveled north via the 405 freeway to spend the afternoon with some family.

What I experienced was not an unusual sight for Southern California drivers

My destination was Valencia, miles away from where I reside in Lawndale.

This is not an unknown voyage to me.

For the past 15 years, some family members have chosen to move away from the South Bay.

They have planted their lives in such towns as Newhall, Canyon Country, and as far north as Lancaster.

Over these 15 years, my family has spent various holidays with the family members residing in those cities.

Our route has always been the same: 405 north to the 14 north.

Depending on who is cooking dinner depends on our exit.

The freeways have fortunately been free and clear, making those drives easy and quick.

No traffic jams, very few accidents, and no rubbernecks to avoid any headaches

Sadly enough, on my most recent trip, I encountered all three things that Southern California drivers have come to fear while embarking upon a freeway: traffic jams, accidents and the worst, rubbernecks.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term rubbernecks, let me inform you.

Rubbernecks are those drivers who slow down just to look at a car overheating on the freeway shoulder or to see which car has the most damage after an accident.

The first 25 minutes of my drive were of relative ease, as I only encountered traffic after passing LAX, a normality on the 405.

But after I passed the 101 freeway I encountered the worst case of rubbernecking I have seen in years.

A four-door car had somehow lost control and was on the center divider.

The car was being held onto the concrete divider by its front axle.

Luckily for me, this car was heading in the opposite direction.

Now I can understand the “wow effect” that this may have on many drivers.

However, there is no excuse from slowing down to 20 miles per hour from 80 mph just to see what went on.

It is very clear of what just happened.

Someone lost control; counter steered the wrong way, and wound up in an uncompromising position.

As a passenger, these accidents are wonderful to try and dissect.

As a driver, however, I need to be aware of drivers who suddenly lose control in order to protect myself.

Who can be sure what caused the automobile to end up where it did?

Drivers need to realize that whatever your destination, there are other drivers on the road.

Patience is something many drivers forget when they buckle up.

In order for drivers to have a safer and less frustrating drive on the crowded, busy Southern California freeways, everyone needs to take part in undistracted driving.

Those should be the first things on our checklist before a trip.