Worst Traffic Times in Fort Worth, TX
Anyone who lives in an urban or suburban area is accustomed to sharing the road with a lot of other people. In Fort Worth, for example, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) statistics from 2019 showed an annual average daily traffic rate (AADT) of just over 32,000 vehicles on area interstate highways alone.
There’s one question in particular that you need to answer before heading out the door: at what time is traffic the worst? This critical information can help you avoid undesirable scenarios like extended commutes, as well as heightened potential for car accidents due to high Fort Worth traffic volume.
The good news is that traffic in urban areas is well-documented, making it easy to find information about daily patterns and real-time conditions. What should you know about traffic times in Fort Worth before you hit the road?
Travel Time Around the City Center
Living in an urban center can be cost-prohibitive, but suburban communities offer more affordable housing for urban workers. Unfortunately, this leads to an uptick in Fort Worth traffic during commuting hours in the morning and evening.
Within about a six-mile radius of the city center, you can generally expect the highest traffic volume on Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., as well as 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Average speeds during these times drop to about 20–25 mph. This will add about 6–8 minutes to your commute time each way or 12–16 minutes daily.
You might be surprised by how quickly these overages add up. On average, Fort Worth commuters within a six-mile radius of the city center spend about 115 hours each year on their daily drives, with about 49 hours stuck in congested traffic.
The Impact of Added Drive Time
In addition to the frustrations that naturally accompany a journey through gridlock, you’ll find that extra time commuting through peak traffic hours has other consequences. For starters, extended traffic times in Fort Worth can cost you not just time but money. Fort Worth residents pay an average of $327 per year to commute, with about $39 of that attributed to congestion.
Environmental Considerations
Higher traffic volumes take a toll on the environment. Commuters in Fort Worth emit an average of 763 kg of CO2 annually, with 90 kg due to congestion.
Fort Worth isn’t the worst in these categories, ranking at 33 among urban centers in the U.S. and 306 in a global comparison. That said, most commuters would agree that avoiding congestion is always preferable to sitting through a commute that’s longer than necessary.
The Prevalence of Auto Accidents
There are also traffic collisions to consider. Several studies have shown that accidents tend to increase when traffic volume is higher than normal. Texas is a fault-based insurance state, which means that the person who causes the accident is liable for the cost of damages. Nonetheless, you always want to lower your risk of being in an auto accident if possible.
What if the person doesn’t have insurance or there’s some question of fault and their insurance provider refuses to pay? You may find yourself in a battle, fighting for a settlement to cover injuries for the damage done to your vehicle.
How To Improve Your Commute in Fort Worth, Texas
If you’re looking to avoid Fort Worth traffic at peak volume, there are a couple of options to consider. Carpooling with coworkers won’t necessarily cut drive times, but it will lead to fewer cars on the road. As a result, that means less time spent behind the wheel and reduced costs for each person involved.
You can also take advantage of Trinity Metro services, including buses, train services, and convenient ZIPZONE ride-sharing options. Knowing the worst traffic times around the Fort Worth area won’t necessarily help you avoid commuting. It will, though, help you make informed decisions about how and when you travel so that you can minimize the drain on your resources.
Contact the Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyers at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information or if you’ve been injured, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 839-3143
