Many travellers love a good city break and Chicago is a brilliant place for a short weekend of luxury hotels, great shopping, exciting cultural activities and more wonderful eating and drinking opportunities than you could ever imagine. The best way of getting around is by car – whether you hire a car or use a taxi (cab) or one of the Uber type services. However it can be a frustrating experience due to traffic.
Chicago traffic is bad enough as it is, but what’s happening now seems to be even worse. Commuters are experiencing a new level of frustration with the city’s traffic issues, and many people who live here have found themselves opting out of their daily commute altogether. The problem has been worsening for quite some time now, and it doesn’t seem like there will be any relief in sight anytime soon.
Major Cause Of Road Traffic In Chicago
One of the significant causes of road traffic in Chicago is construction. This has only increased as the city becomes more and more popular, which means that it’s an issue for those who live here and visitors to the area—major road renovations to improve commute time for all. The city has been trying to address these problems for years, but it’s an ongoing battle that doesn’t seem to be getting any easier.
- Other Contributing Factors To Chicago Traffic
There are also other contributors to traffic congestion in Chicago that commuters have been dealing with for years. Road collisions on major highways are factors that are often due to construction vehicles that block lanes or drivers who don’t obey the rules.
While everyone is returning to their everyday life after almost two years of shutting down to flatten the curve in the road, there are still lessons to be learned from how things were handled. For instance, having a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer on your speed dial is still as crucial as it was during the pandemic.
- What Can Be Done To Improve Chicago Traffic?
One of the best things that can be done to improve Chicago traffic is for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike to follow road rules more strictly. The city has been doing its part by enforcing them and introducing new laws to keep people safe on their commutes, but it’s up to commuters to take this seriously.
Some of the known laws implemented in Chicago include an increased fine for jaywalking and the city’s decision to allow speed cameras on many of its streets. The more people who follow road rules, the better things will be for everyone in this area.
How Much Does Traffic Affect The Economy?
Understanding the effects of traffic on the economy is essential for two reasons: traffic congestion costs our economy billions of dollars every year. Second, a better understanding of these effects can help us make more informed policy decisions.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) estimates that in 2018, traffic congestion cost our economy $160 billion alone, and this staggering number keeps on growing.
An estimated 102 – 104 hours per year are wasted in traffic jams, with the average cost of each minute being $21. People spent an additional 38 hours on roads and highways due to congestion. This costs them approximately $121 billion in lost productivity and fuel consumption (DOT).
When you look at these numbers, it is essential to remember that not all of the costs we mention here are solely due to traffic.
Road Collisions: How It Affects Traffic, How To Prevent It, And What To Do In Case You Get Involved In One
Most people would agree that traffic is a nuisance and can cause problems. However, once we learn more about the exact effects of heavy traffic on our daily lives, we might understand why many cities spend large amounts of money to decrease congestion levels or make them bearable for drivers. Traffic jam facts show significant implications for health, safety, and even the environment.
Not all of these effects are easily measurable or documentable; however, they affect our lives in one way or another. For example: when there is a traffic jam on your route to work, it results in a loss of time for you and money if you have an hourly job where you are paid for the time you work.
The DOT has also reported that: “In 2016, there were an estimated 37,461 people killed in traffic crashes and approximately $432 billion in economic loss due to these crashes.” This is a significant number of deaths, and it does not even consider the injuries that often occur during collisions.
There are also health problems that may arise due to heavy traffic. Because of the elevated pollution levels, drivers might experience respiratory issues and other complications related to breathing polluted air. This is especially true for those people who have asthma or similar conditions, which require them to carry an inhaler with them at all times in case they need it during emergencies.
In addition to the health issues, traffic jams can also lead to safety problems. When people are stuck in a jam, their irritation increases, which may result in them making impulsive decisions (i.e., road rage) which increases the risk of accidents even further. This is especially true if they get out of their vehicles and engage in hostile behavior.
People stuck in traffic jams do not have much to look at, so it is easy for them to become bored and their minds wander, which might lead to dangerous distractions while they are behind the wheel. This can be even more harmful than road rage because accidents caused by distracted drivers often result in fatalities.
Final Words
While traffic is a global phenomenon, it often has a different impact on each country’s economy. As Chicago strives to be a world-class city, we must understand the full extent of these effects and work to find solutions. Congestion not only costs us in terms of time, but also money, health, and safety.
