Best and Worst Time to Drive in Massachusetts
Commuting to or within metropolitan areas can be a daunting task no matter where you live. In fact, the topic of when and how it is easiest to make any particular commute is such a common concern that the driving intelligence research firm Inrix compiled a year’s worth of traffic data in 100 cities across the United States and produced a report showing typical commuting delays for each of the days of the week.
The results varied greatly between cities, but the common theme in the statistics is that there is a difference in average commuting delays based on the day of the week. Also, it is generally best to commute on a Monday, as this is the day where the delays were reported to be the shortest in 78 out of 100 cities, according to Inrix. Friday afternoons, in comparison show some of the longest delays across the board.
Using this data, commuters in the selected cities can evaluate their commuting practices and adjust their schedules where possible. For example, if an employee telecommutes from his home office two days per week, he could rearrange the days he commutes to the office to sync with the days showing the lowest delays.
Statistics in Boston Traffic
The Daily Beast ranked the Southeast Expressway (1-93 Northbound) as number 15 of its 50 worst commutes in the country. Commuters in Massachusetts are likely to be looking for data on how to get to work without spending long periods of time tied up in traffic delays.
Inrix compiled data on Boston traffic. The data tallied delays in traffic between 7 and 10 a.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. GPS systems, mobile navigation applications and road sensors were used to collect analytics.
- In general, the Inrix study showed that commuters who travel the major corridors entering and exiting a city will experience longer delays than those commuting on more local roads. This information can be used to help plan a route for commuting.
- Statistically speaking, the report shows that Thursdays are the worst days to travel to and from or within Boston. The delay time is an average of 5.3 minutes per typical 30 minute commute.
- Monday is the best day to commute in the Boston area, with an average delay time of only 3.8 minutes per 30 minute commute.
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the same with a 4.8 minute average delay time per 30 minute commute.
- Fridays are slightly worse than a Tuesday or Wednesday but better than Thursday with a 4.9 minute average delay.
Additionally, some commuters choose alternate times to travel, which allow them to avoid rush hour delays altogether. For instance, an employee with a flexible work schedule may choose to arrive at work by 5:30 a.m. rather than face traffic delays at the more traditional start times.
Inrix does report that rush hour timeframes are changing and increasing in duration. Shift variations and increased trucking hours have extended rush hours past the previously expected guidelines.
Choosing to avoid heavily traveled hours of the day or days of the week not only saves time for commuters, but may also decrease the likelihood of an accident. Lighter traffic and less people driving in a hurry can allow for safer traffic conditions.
If in an Accident, Call Rob Levine & Associates
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a traffic accident, you may have many concerns and questions about your case and how you can recover compensation. You may be dealing with property damage expenses, lost wages and mounting medical bills. Rob Levine and Associates specializes in auto accident cases and we can help you. Call 800-LAW-1222 for a free consultation.
