Being stuck in traffic is never fun. A recent report from transportation analytics firm INRIX found that the average driver in the United States lost 51 hours sitting in traffic congestion in 2022, an increase of 15 hours over 2021. This caused drivers to lose an average of $869, an increase of $305 from the year before.
Another report by Circuit, an app-based company that provides route planning, rated cities based not only on congestion delays, but also on traffic jams, driving speeds, and distracted driving fatalities. Based on the information above, we've created a round-up of the top 10 worst cities for traffic in 2023.
1. New York, NY
New York City has the highest number of traffic jams and the highest congestion levels. It also tied with Philadelphia for having the worst driving speeds and ranked number two for distracted driving fatalities, behind Chicago.
2. Chicago, IL
Based on INRIX’s Global Traffic Scorecard, Chicago was the number one worst city for traffic delays. In 2022, drivers here lost an average of 155 hours to congestion, leading to a financial loss of around $2,618 per person. It’s also notable that Chicago holds the distinction of being the second-worst city for traffic delay across the globe, just behind London, UK.
3. Miami, FL
Coming in at number three, the city of Miami is known for its heavy traffic and long delays. In 2022, drivers here were delayed for an average of 105 hours, costing them around $1,773. Miami is also ranked as the 10th worst city worldwide.
4. Austin, TX
Surprisingly, there are actually three Texas cities on this list. Some of the top traffic-plagued areas in Austin include I-35 and Round Rock. In fact, I-35 ranked as one of the most congested roads in the entire state of Texas.
5. Los Angeles, CA
In Los Angeles, traffic along I-5 causes drivers tons of traffic woes. Drivers here lose an average of 95 hours a year to traffic delays, costing them about $1,601. Thanks to urban sprawl and population growth, commutes in the LA area can be a hassle. On average, commuters here spend about 31.7 minutes getting to work each day.
6. Boston, MA
Commuters in Boston lose an average of 134 hours sitting in traffic, costing them around $2,270. Rush hour here starts as early as 6 a.m. and can continue as late as 7 p.m. most days of the week. Many of the traffic nightmares in this city take place around I-93, leading to serious driving anxiety for those who cannot avoid this area.
7. San Antonio, TX
The city of San Antonio made this list due, in part, to the high level of distracted driving fatalities. The city is also home to 10 of the most congested roads in the state of Texas. This includes Culebra Road, which ranks as the 21st worst road in the nation and is also the deadliest road in San Antonio.
8. Houston, TX
Drivers in Houston lose about 74 hours per year to traffic delays, costing them about $1,257. Limited public transportation, near-constant road construction, and a preference for larger vehicles are all factors that contribute to Houston’s traffic woes. Most of the congestion here occurs on interstate highways and tends to be far worse during rush hour.
9. Philadelphia, PA
The city of Philadelphia is tied with New York City for having the worst driving speeds, and when drivers aren’t speeding, they tend to be at a full stop. Philly ranked fourth in the U.S. for traffic delays, with drivers sitting in traffic for an average of 114 hours a year, costing them around $1,925. Philadelphia is also ranked as the 9th worst city in the world for traffic delays.
10. Atlanta, GA
Atlanta, which has a reputation for terrible traffic congestion, was actually ranked at the bottom of the top 10 list this year. Drivers here waste about 74 hours a year and lose about $1,257. The average commute time here is 32.5 minutes each way.
The number of heavy-duty trucks going through the city makes congestion worse, especially around Spaghetti Junction. This interchange between I-85 and I-285 is often considered one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in the nation.
Stay Safe in Heavy Traffic Congestion
If you live or work in one of the cities listed above, it’s super important to feel confident with your driving skills so you can feel more comfortable in traffic and avoid accidents. Not only can taking an online drivers ed course help you learn how to safely handle heavy traffic, but our in-depth curriculum and real-world driving scenarios give you the skills needed to navigate tricky situations that arise while stuck in dead-lock traffic. Aceable offers easy, affordable, and entertaining driving courses that you can complete right from your computer or smartphone. Start your course today!
Updated 3/06/23