New Jersey Commute Among the Worst in the Country

On average, Americans spend around 40 hours each year in traffic jams, and this frustration can affect other parts of their lives. Close to 50 percent of commuters have reported that their commutes affected their job satisfaction, compounded with added symptoms, such as increased stress and anxiety.

In areas with large populations and desirable jobs, bad traffic can be part of the commuter’s daily life. This can be seen in and around large cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Camden. It is not surprising that a recent Esurance commuting study ranked New Jersey as one of the worst commutes in the country.

How New Jersey Ranked

New Jersey ranked as the second poorest commute, with Delaware finishing last. One factor that contributed to the low scores was the length of time spent in the vehicle, which increases with more cars and trucks on the road. On average, New Jersey residents spend 31 minutes traveling to work. Less open space to travel, traffic signals, and accidents all contribute to longer driving times. Delays on trains and buses were also considered for the study. Approximately, 10 percent of commuters use public transit to get to work. Surprisingly, New Jersey scored well in the safety category, ranking ninth for traffic fatalities and crashes, plus the use of safety belts.

Less populated states out west won the top honors for the best commutes. First place was Alaska, with Utah, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming grabbing the subsequent spots. East Coast states filled the bottom five with Tennessee, New York, South Carolina, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Can New Jersey Commutes Improve?

As the population increases, so does the commuting times. Some workers choose to leave home early and stay late at work to avoid rush hour, but this can take away from personal time. Requesting flexible work schedules like 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. is an option that works for many. Carpooling is another alternative, although it seems as though most cars still only have one driver. This removes thousands of vehicles from the roads. Many commuters have switched from cars to bicycles, although this presents certain safety concerns, especially on busy city streets.

Camden Car Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Advocate for Victims Injured While Commuting to Work

If you or someone you care for has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, contact a skilled Camden car accident lawyer at DiTomaso Law to consult your case. Contact us at 856-414-0010 or fill out our online form to set up a free initial consultation. With locations in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas.