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(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
BY SCOTT MALONE
ANCHOR LOGAN TITTLE
It turns out that stop-and-go traffic that everyone dreads is costing you more than just
time.
Researchers at Texas A&M released a report Tuesday saying Americans spent 5.5 billion
hours sitting in traffic in 2011 - leading to more than $120 billion in time and fuel
costs. (Via WANE)
The report also says congestion costs the average commuter $818 dollars in wasted gasoline,
lost productivity and increased vehicle maintenance. (Via WTVD)
The report is one of the key tools used by experts to solve traffic problems. While the
numbers might sound bad, a writer for CNN Money says a quick glance in the rearview
mirror shows things used to be a lot worse.
He points out the number of hours the average commuter spends caught in congestion dropped
almost 13% from 2006 to 2010, but there was no increase from 2008-2010. And it rose just
1% in 2011.
NBC News spoke with one of the researchers and while he agrees, he says we could see
the number of traffic jams go pedal to the metal.
“Prior to the economy slowing, congestion levels were much higher, and we really expect
to see the conditions of congestion … really go up as the economy improves.”
The researchers stress that every community has unique traffic challenges and there is
no quick fix for each area.