Best and worst times to drive to avoid traffic

Admin December 21, 2022 International Leave a comment 116 Views

With the holiday season in full swing, people may be worried about getting stuck in bad traffic during Christmas and New Year’s this year.

Unfortunately, with vacation travel on the rise again after the pandemic, the answer is yes. Across the country, people can expect 25% more drives than usual.

All modes of transportation will see an increase in ridership this holiday season, with an estimated 112.7 million people traveling more than 50 miles between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 this year — 3.6 million more than last year, according to AAA. Among them, about 102 million drivers.

According to Bob Bishu, traffic analyst at INRIX, drivers should expect delays while driving in major metropolitan areas.

“In short, the best time to travel is before the afternoon commute starts at 2 p.m.,” he told USA Today in an email. “We expect Dec. 23, 27 and 28 to be busy days along with Jan. 2.”

For those driving for vacation plans, here’s what to know:

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When is the worst time to take a vacation?

According to INRIX, from afternoon to evening, which is the peak travel time, commuters with working commuters on the road get the worst traffic.

In general, avoid driving between 3 pm and 7 pm

Dec. The worst traffic congestion will occur on the 23rd between 4pm and 7pm
On the day after Christmas, there will be bad traffic between 2pm and 6pm
The day after New Year’s Day, the worst traffic is predicted to be between 4pm and 7pm

When is the best time to go on vacation?

The days around Christmas and New Year, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are predicted to have less traffic.

If traveling on those days is not possible, try going out in the early morning or evening followed by an after-work trip, advises Bishoo.

Generally, the best times to travel are before 2pm and after 8pm

INRIX advised people to travel on Christmas Eve, the day after Christmas before 11am and after 7pm, on New Year’s Day, people should be on the road after 7pm, before 3pm and after 8pm.

How will weather affect holiday travel?

Bad weather could cause further delays, so keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly, Bishu said.

“Many people remember the I-95 backup in Virginia that delayed some drivers on the freeway overnight, caused by a large snow and ice storm,” he said. “We cannot predict these, or when mountain passes and other roads are closed due to weather, it is important for travelers to get the latest information on road closures and delays before their journey.”