Jams Are Their Job: KNX1070 And CBS Traffic Reporters Tell About Worst Travel Times

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — You can probably recognize the voice, but the face might be new to you.

From her Miracle Mile studio, KNX1070 NEWSRADIO traffic anchor Denise Fondo is coordinating some of the Southland's most in-depth aerial traffic coverage.

With two airborne reporter-pilot teams based out of Van Nuys and one team based out of Riverside, we wanted to see it all - from the sky - so we rigged their planes with Go-Pro cameras and came along for the ride.

"It never leaves my mind that people really do need this service, and it's critical to their lives," says Fondo.

So, which day of the week is the worst day on the roads?

"Thursday is the busiest day top to bottom," she says. "I think it's because everyone's trying to get their errands done before the weekend and because people tend to make a lot of social engagements on Thursday evening."

KNX1070 TRAFFIC VETERANS SHOW US HOW THEY GET THROUGH THE MORNING COMMUTE

But when it comes to certain traffic trends, Fondo says she doesn't have all the answers, including why there can be so much traffic on a random Tuesday at 10 in the morning.

"I think that myself. Don't these people have homes? Where is everybody going?" she says. "But there's always something to do in Southern California. That's the joy of this city, but also the bane of our existence."

Not surprisingly, the KNX traffic team has plenty of tips for drivers looking to cut down on their commute times.

And leaving early is always the biggest key to success, according to Jeff Baugh.

"Traffic reporters are notoriously and hideously early for any event," said Baugh, laughing. "If you say meet me at the movies at 7, the traffic reporter will be there at 5:30. I guarantee it, because we're used to these things."

The most important travel tip for Thanksgiving week? Leave early on Tuesday.

"If you don't leave by noon, don't even think about it until after 8 or 9," says Desmond Shaw. "If you're gonna leave on Wednesday, I wouldn't bother until seriously, like 10 at night. It's the worst traffic day of the year. Totally incredible."

When it comes to a weekend in Las Vegas, get to the 15 Freeway Thursday or Friday before noon. And for trips to San Diego, always leave at night after 8 p.m.

But why do so many people from out of state think Southland drivers are the worst?

"Our biggest problem is we have congestion because have so many people in Southern California, but that's it," says Fondo. "I don't think the drivers are the problem."

And if you're able to make your commuting plans first thing in the morning, CBS2's traffic reporters can give you the rundown of how the drive is looking.

"So, you wake up, have your coffee, you see me and I tell you the 5 is absolutely horrible today, it's just going to be a nightmare," said CBS2 Morning Traffic Reporter Jennifer Kim. "Then you get in your car, you turn on KNX and those reporters are able to tell you point by point as you are traveling through the traffic where it's going to be horrible."

While L.A. traffic might seem like the theater of the absurd, just remember there are reporters on the ground and in the air working to get you there on time.

"Something goes wrong every single day on these roads," said Fondo.