I logged 37 years of Beltway and I-95 commutes. Here in AZ, people ask me why I prefer long hikes in the desert alone.
Ha! How was the move to AZ? An easy transition?
I spent 45+ years commuting in the Pittsburgh with a several year hiatus living in Manhattan {in a company paid for suite}. In order to avoid the most serious traffic conditions {which were nothing compared to NY, LA, DC, etal} I was on the road by or before 5:30 AM, or if I worked from home, never left until 10:00 AM.
Being in sales, I've driven {mostly rental cars} in almost every major city in the US and Canada, and Pittsburgh is relatively easy by comparison.
Like you, I spend many quiet hours, walking the woods, mostly alone {not counting my dog}.
The DC area that you drove in, while not the worst, is misery, and I feel for you, have a nice walk this weekend.