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