Heat Forces More Car Use and Adds to City Traffic Problems

Philadelphia, New York, Mexico City, and London take the top spots when it comes to traffic congestion. The reason? Besides out-of-town visitors and tourists during the warmer months, the heat often forces people to rely more on air-conditioned vehicles instead of walking or biking as nobody wants to sweat it out on a hot, sticky day; and it’s this very reliance on cars that adds to the congestion problem, and perpetuates a cycle that frustrates commuters.

Solutions to Tame Traffic

To ease the pain of rush hour, cities really need to get creative, especially during the summer months when traffic gets out of hand. Investing in better public transportation could better the citation. Expanding subway lines for instance and adding more buses could make a big difference. Boosting bike-sharing programs can also encourage more people to hop on bikes instead of driving, which can free up road space. Another smart move is promoting flexible work hours. If companies let employees start and finish at different times, it could make commuting way easier for everyone. With fewer cars on the road during peak times, drivers face less stress, and workers are happier and more productive. Also, cities could sweeten the deal by offering incentives for using public transport, like discounts or rewards for regular riders.

The Accident Factor

When traffic gets congested, it does more than just annoy everyone; it also leads to an increase in accidents. With more vehicles on the road and people trying to squeeze through, tempers can flare, and mistakes can happen. Urban areas with heavy congestion witness a spike in crashes, particularly during peak summer months. In other words, increased traffic raises the likelihood of fender benders, and it also causes longer delays for emergency responders in case of serious accidents. When cities don’t manage congestion well, the safety of all road users can be at risk. In Philadelphia, for example—ranked as the 4th most congested city in the U.S.—this is a real issue that can lead to traffic accidents. When accidents do happen, professionals at philly-injury-law.com recommend that the injured party focus on two main things: getting medical attention and seeking legal representation, as both can help ease the stress of the situation.

Summer in the city can get somewhat uncomfortable, but road safety should be everyone’s priority, whether we’re driving, biking, or walking. Accidents can happen in a split second, but a little extra caution can prevent them. And when everyone follows the rules, it makes the roads  less stressful for everyone.