North Texas drivers know the frustration of crawling through rush hour traffic all too well. With a population of eight million, the region's roads often turn into parking lots during peak hours. However, a recent study by Inrix offers a silver lining: North Texas ranks 17th in the U.S. for traffic congestion, behind major metropolitan areas such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Despite this relatively favorable ranking, traffic congestion in North Texas continues to get worse. Since 2019, congestion has increased by 12%, with a 16% jump from 2022 alone. U.S. 80, stretching from Interstate 635 to Farm Road 548, stands out as the 11th most congested road in the entire country. During the peak hour of 5 p.m., drivers lose an average of 17 minutes on this stretch alone. This accumulates to 66 hours annually. This congestion creates a dangerous mix of high-speed and low-speed traffic, which increases the risk of car accidents.
Why does traffic congestion increase the risk of a car accident?
Traffic congestion creates conditions that increase the risk of car accidents. When vehicles bunch together, drivers have less time to react to sudden changes. The stress of inching along in heavy traffic can lead to aggressive behavior and, in some cases, even road rage.
Additionally, in stop-and-go conditions, drivers frequently accelerate and brake, which increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions. Prolonged exposure to slow-moving traffic can also result in driver fatigue and distraction as motorists grow impatient and seek entertainment on their phones.
Moreover, congested roads often impair visibility, especially for drivers of larger vehicles. This reduced line of sight can make it difficult to anticipate potential hazards on the road.
Other common hazards in traffic congestion include:
- Sideswipe accidents when drivers attempt to change lanes in tight spaces or merge aggressively.
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups caused by a single collision and involving numerous vehicles as a result of a chain reaction crash.
- Merging and lane-change accidents as drivers jockey for position in congested lanes.
What can drivers do to stay safe in traffic congestion?
While you can't eliminate traffic congestion single-handedly, you can take steps to reduce your accident risk:
- Stay alert, maintain a safe following distance, and anticipate the actions of other drivers.
- Leverage real-time traffic apps to find alternative routes and avoid the worst congestion.
- Resist the temptation to use your phone or engage in other distracting activities, even in slow-moving traffic.
- Recognize that aggressive driving won't get you there faster and only increases the risk of a crash.
- When possible, use public transit or carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
Contact a Texas attorney dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured motorists
If you've been injured in a car accident in Fort Worth or the surrounding areas, don't wait to seek legal help. The decisions you make in the aftermath of a crash can significantly impact your future, and Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., is here to guide you through this challenging time.
With a strong track record of obtaining meaningful verdicts and settlements for car accident victims, our law firm knows how to build strong cases. We have recovered millions of dollars in wrongful death, motor vehicle collision, and commercial vehicle accident cases. Don't let insurance companies undervalue your claim or deny you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Our experienced team can thoroughly investigate your crash, gather crucial evidence, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights.