Traffic: A waste of time
Stuck in traffic? You’re not alone. As most commuters can attest, traffic congestion continues to worsen in American cities, according to a study by the Texas Transportation Institute. The 2007 Urban Mobility Report, which is based on 2005 figures, found that the nation’s drivers are wasting almost a whole work week--38 hours a year--stuck in traffic. That equates to 4.2 billion hours and 2.9 billion gallons of gas, for a total of a $78 billion drain on the U.S. economy.
The study provides details on the congestion in 85 metropolitan areas. The Los Angeles metro area had the worst congestion, delaying drivers an average of 72 hours a year, followed by Atlanta, San Francisco, Washington and Dallas. As expected, the congestion is highest in the most populous cities, but the study also looked at a number of smaller cities such as San Diego with 57 hours, Austin, TX with 49 hours, and Tucson, AZ with 42 hours spent in traffic annually.
Unfortunately, a big part of the congestion problem is that the population growth the past few decades has not been met with changes in the highway infrastructure. Most of the nation’s roads were simply not designed to handle the current volume. The study recommends some solutions to the problem, such as servicing existing roads, adding more mass transit systems, relieving chokepoints, and changing usage patterns. Other suggestions that would have to be addressed between employers and employees are flexible work schedules, telecommuting, and carpooling.
While there is not much you can do to control the growing gridlock (besides moving to a smaller town), you can control how much gas is lost. First, driving a more fuel-efficient vehicle can help the environment and save some money. Second, the way you drive can affect how much mileage you get in your current vehicle. Third, if you can, ride your bike to work or take mass transit. However, if you have no choice but to drive, see our fuel economy guide for tips on how to save gas and learn more about alternative fuels.
--Liza Barth
Posted by: Stanley Bziukiewicz | Oct 16, 2007 10:19:48 PM
I am a resident of Phoenix, AZ. I was surprised to see that Tucson made the list for traffic congestion instead of Phoenix. Traffic out here is terrible. Combined with the 110+ degree heat in the summer it spells for an oppresive commute. If you live in Phoenix, you can expect at least a 1 to 1 1/2 hr commute. In addition, the road from Phoenix to Tucson is only 2 lanes and it is heavily used by trucks. When will they widen this road? The state needs to improve these roads or things will just get worse!!
Posted by: David | Sep 3, 2008 8:59:29 AM
Thank you for the information. We're reviewing it.
On a related matter, do you know of any guidelines or criteria for "greening a community" that pertain to transportation? Whenever I see the big sign on 66 saying ozone or orange alert, I think about.
I can find county and state criteria for traffic calming, but that don't address affects on greening and the environment. They usually consider things like speed humps that seem only lower the speed in front of two houses and require all cars to slow down producing exhaust and brake dust, and resulting in increased gas consumption. Another traffic calming measure some communities are using is the stop sign. For example, in Vienna, VA on Cottage St and Lawyers Rd there are multiple signs at intersections where there are no cars waiting at cross streets. I wonder if there are studies or guidelines that support using yield signs and lane narrowing lines that reduce speed but keep traffic moving to avoid the emissions and gas consumption caused by stopping and dramatic slowing.
What information do you know about?