Science Proves Chicago Has the 3rd Worst Traffic in the World

Hurry up and wait. Those 4 words describe driving in Chicago better than just about anything else. Actually, there are other words that might be more accurate, but they would likely offend you. Science can prove, though, that the Windy City really does have some of the worst traffic in the whole wide world.

The last time I drove in Chicago, I was on the Loop just after 5pm for what seemed like forever. The toll booths didn't help either. The positive side of the experience was I had many chances to contemplate life and try to figure out how I could avoid driving in Chicago ever again. Now, there is science to back up my raging emotions.

24/7 Wall St just shared some very interesting data about the places in the world where traffic congestion is holding the economy back. Guess who's #3 in this worst list? Give yourself a cookie if you said Chicago and the metro driving experience certainly earns it. Check out these numbers:

• Time lost to congestion in 2024: 102 hours per driver
• Average downtown speed during peak hours in 2024: 14 miles per hour
• Vehicles per capita: 860 cars per 1,000 inhabitants
• Share of trips taken by private vehicle: 79%

That number of hours per driver went up 6% last year compared to 2023, by the way.

What can Chicago do to fix the traffic problem?

My suggestion is to give us all hover cars like the Jetsons had and I'm not joking either. That is the only thing that would make Chicago driving bearable.