You’ve read the stats: one in six Americans commute 90 minutes both ways to and from work, and those who commute for 180 minutes both ways are the fastest growing category. Now, how can you make use of your time on these long commutes? Some people pop in a CD to learn a language, some listen to educational audio books. But some people actually leverage their commute time to boost productivity and get some work done. “But isn’t distracted driving dangerous?” you may ask.

We’re in a mobile age, and for some people their car is an extension of their office. One worker sticks Post-It notes on his dashboard that have phone numbers on them, and as he is driving home at night, he returns phone calls one by one using his Bluetooth. By the time he’s in his driveway he’s done, and he can now settle down to have dinner with his family. He does this as an alternate to staying late at the office.

Another worker uses a similar routine in the morning, and by the time she gets to her office she has done an hour’s worth of work.

And yet another worker makes use of his commute for follow-up calls to co-workers in multiple time zones; he follows up with co-workers on the East Coast on his morning commute, and with co-workers in the Mountain and Pacific time zones on his evening commute.

People don’t necessarily dread their commute. Instead of seething in traffic, they use that time to answer e-mail, or make that dental appointment.

Or you can do as one working mom does, using her commute time as her valuable private “me” time - playing games on her iPod or listening to her favourite music - as that’s the only time no one’s asking her for anything.

How do you leverage your daily commute? Do share with us!