The PR Newswire released
an interesting article this week, which confirmed that traffic gridlock, has
increased over the past year across the United States, including here in
Chicago. According to data from the most
recent INRIX Gridlock Index (IGI) shows that traffic jumped by almost 10
percent during February – the largest year-over-year increase recorded by IGI
in two years, and a healthy sign of rising economic activity across 100 metro
areas.
“Traffic is a great indicator
of confidence on the ground,” said Bryan Mistele, CEO of INRIX.
“People hit the road as they return to work, and businesses ship more
freight as their orders increase. IGI shows the pulse of the economy is
starting to beat faster.”
February’s composite IGI score of
6.8 meant that the average trip took drivers in the 100 most populated metro
areas 6.8 percent longer because of increased traffic congestion. The IGI’s
positive turn was echoed by a recent report on the U.S. housing sector. The
U.S. Commerce Department reported that February 2013 permits for
future construction rose 4.6 percent, reaching the highest level since June
2008.
Here in Chicago, traffic increased
over 20 percent from February 2012 to February 2013, hinting
that the metro area’s slow recovery may be gathering speed.
The article did not provide any
additional statistics about an increase in car accidents or traffic fatalities.
But I can almost guarantee that an increase in traffic jams, will ultimately
lead to an increase in traffic accidents. Remember to keep your wits about you
and focus on the road when you get stuck in traffic.
Should you or someone you love
suffer a serious injury in a Chicago car crash or Chicago truck accident, then
call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant for a free legalconsultation at 312-588-3384.