Heavy traffic in Toronto is more than just a nuisance.
Toronto was recently ranked the 13th worst city in the world for driving, according to a recent study cited in the National Post. A similar study released earlier this year found that the problem is getting even worse in Toronto when it comes to traffic congestion, which is often associated with serious car accidents.
"The findings, which ranked Toronto as the third worst city for traffic in North America, behind only Chicago and Boston, were significantly higher than the previous year's results when Toronto was identified as the 22nd worst city for traffic," the National Post article said.
The increasing traffic congestion and the city's ranking as one of the worst for driving stress the importance of having an experienced Toronto car accident lawyer by your side if you or someone you love has been injured in a crash.
At Smitiuch Injury Law, our lawyers are dedicated to helping accident victims navigate the legal process, seek fair compensation, and recover from their injuries. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
Traffic congestion in Toronto is among the worst worldwide
A recent study by the U.K. car rental company Nationwide Vehicle Contracts shed light on Toronto's growing traffic woes, ranking it as the 13th worst city in the world for drivers. The study revealed that Toronto motorists spend an average of 199 hours annually stuck in traffic.
Among North American cities, only Mexico City (2nd worst globally) and New York City (7th worst globally) fared worse than Toronto in terms of traffic congestion. For comparison, drivers in Mexico City spend an average of 244 hours each year in traffic, while New Yorkers endure 236 hours of traffic.
The study also provided insights into the average travel times. To cover a distance of 10 kilometers in Toronto, it takes an average of 22 minutes and 30 seconds, slightly less than the 24 minutes and 30 seconds needed by New Yorkers to cover the same distance.
Another study finds traffic congestion even worse in Toronto
Earlier this year, Toronto faced an even grimmer global ranking regarding traffic congestion. INRIX, a traffic analytics company, designated Toronto as the seventh worst city worldwide for traffic congestion, as reported by the website Driving.
INRIX's report was compiled from four years of mobility and GPS data, revealing that Toronto drivers spend an average of 118 hours annually stuck in traffic congestion.
These findings show that Toronto claims the unenviable title of having the most congested traffic in Canada and the third-worst traffic congestion in North America, trailing only Chicago and Boston.
What's more, the INRIX traffic congestion study unveiled an alarming trend, with the number of hours lost each year due to traffic in Toronto surging by a staggering 59 per cent in 2021 when compared to 2019.
Traffic congestion and car accidents
Heavy traffic isn't just an annoyance; it can also pose significant dangers, such as:
- Rear-End Collisions: These are common when traffic suddenly slows down or comes to a stop, and a driver fails to brake in time, often due to distractions (e.g., texting while driving) or tailgating.
- Lane Changes and Merging: Drivers often attempt to change lanes or merge into traffic without proper signaling or checking blind spots, leading to side-swipe or merging accidents.
- Aggressive Driving: Impatient drivers may engage in aggressive behaviors, such as weaving through traffic, tailgating, or aggressive lane changes, which can trigger accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, such as rain or snow, combined with heavy traffic, can reduce visibility and traction, making accidents more likely when drivers fail to adjust to the conditions.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: A minor collision in heavy traffic can quickly escalate into a multi-vehicle, chain reaction pileup, involving numerous vehicles and causing extensive damage and injuries.
- Road Rage: Frustration in heavy traffic can escalate into road rage incidents, where aggressive driving behaviors may lead to collisions.
What is Toronto doing to reduce traffic congestion?
Officials in the city of Toronto and the province of Ontario are taking steps to reduce traffic congestion. According to City News, such efforts include:
- Deploying "traffic agents" at busy intersections in an effort to keep traffic moving.
- Creating "priority travel routes," especially during construction projects like the Ontario Line subway project.
In addition, some people believe the city and the province need to do more to encourage drivers to use more public transportation and non-motorized forms of transportation, including bicycles.
Why should I hire a Toronto car accident lawyer?
The Toronto car accident lawyers at Smitiuch Injury Law have extensive experience helping crash victims deal with the aftermath of accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident in the Toronto area, our dedicated legal team is here to help.
Our experienced lawyers can investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court to seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and losses.
Don't face the challenges alone; let our team provide the legal support you need to protect your rights and pursue justice.
Put your trust in a Toronto law firm that knows how to get results. Contact us and schedule a free consultation. Our law firm has three offices conveniently located in Toronto, Brantford, and Simcoe, Ontario.
