I can't catch one sentence in Friends.

[Bill.Gao]

Hi Teachers, Can you explain the literal meaning and the connotation of the sentence in bold.

Ross: Yeah, and-and it's not that we don't like the comedian, it's that-that... that's not why we bought the ticket.
Chandler: The problem is, though, after the concert's over, no matter how great the show was, you girls are always looking for the comedian again, y'know? I mean, we're in the car, we're fighting traffic... basically just trying to stay awake.

 

[vil]

I’m not a teacher.

Hi Bill.Gao,

"we're fighting traffic... basically just trying to stay awake. "

Here is my interpretation of the expression in question:

we’re bridging over the heavy road traffic …. basically just trying not to fall asleep i.e. trying to stay keen, active

Regards,

V.