Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

5 U.S. Cities Rank Among World’s Most Traffic-Congested Areas

For the sixth consecutive year, Los Angeles topped the list of the world’s most gridlocked cities, with drivers spending 102 hours in congestion in 2017 during peak time periods, according to the annual INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard.

by Staff
February 7, 2018
5 U.S. Cities Rank Among World’s Most Traffic-Congested Areas

Photo via Haljackey/Wikimedia.

2 min to read


Photo via Haljackey/Wikimedia.

For the sixth consecutive year, Los Angeles topped the list of the world’s most gridlocked cities, with drivers spending 102 hours in congestion in 2017 during peak time periods, according to the annual INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard.

The U.S. accounted for five of the Top 10 cities worldwide with the worst traffic congestion. In addition to Los Angeles, New York City tied with Moscow for second place with 91 hours in congestion, San Francisco (79 hours) ranked fifth, Atlanta (70 hours) ranked eighth, and Miami (64 hours) ranked tenth.

Ad Loading...

INRIX analyzed 1,360 cities across 38 countries. Based on the findings, the U.S. ranked as the most congested developed country in the world, with drivers spending an average of 41 hours a year in traffic during peak hours. The report concludes that congestion costs drivers nearly $305 billion in 2017, an average of $1,445 per driver.

While the economic impact is one issue, gridlock can also have a major impact on road safety. Experts have long known that frayed nerves from sitting in hours of congestion can lead to aggressive behavior.

A study published in 2016 by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 78% of U.S. drivers reported having engaged in at least one aggressive driving behavior during the past year. The most common behaviors included: Intentionally tailgating another vehicle (50.8%); yelling at another driver (46.6%); and honking the horn “to show annoyance or anger” (44.5%). The study suggests that underlying issues in the driving environment, such as congestion, can contribute to aggressive driving.

However, the new data from INRIX implies that traffic congestion across the country is unlikely to clear up anytime soon. Additional noteworthy facts from the report include:

New York’s Cross Bronx Expressway topped the list as the U.S.’s worst corridor for the third year in a row, with the average driver wasting 118 hours per year

Ad Loading...

Commuters within Boston and San Francisco had the highest U.S. congestion rates on arterial and city streets during the peak commute hours (23 percent)

The worst downtown slowdowns were in El Paso, Texas, where speeds dropped from 43 mph at free flow speeds to 5 mph when congested

New York businesses suffered the most from congestion with an average of 14 percent of travel time on weekdays in gridlock and where drivers wasted the most daytime hours stuck in traffic in the entire U.S.

Santa Cruz, Calif., had the worst overall daytime congestion on arterial and highways, with drivers spending 12 percent of their days sitting in traffic.

Read the full report here.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

More Small Fleet

SponsoredMarch 9, 2026

Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections

AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

How One Fleet Cut Motor Pool Costs by $45K With Smarter Key Control and Automation

Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

Artificial Intelligence in Field Service: North America

48% of field service leaders are investing in AI to manage customer communication and self-service. Get the latest on how fleets are using AI and thinking about the future.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SafetyFebruary 4, 2026

Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries

There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 14, 2026

It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report

What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.

Read More →
Wreaths Across America graphic highlighting the role of small fleets in delivering wreaths to honor veterans, featuring wreath icons and the American flag.
Small Fleetby Lauren FletcherDecember 8, 2025

Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America

Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A stressed person covers their face, illustrating that 65% of small fleet managers handle all operations alone, according to a Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) survey.
Small Fleetby StaffNovember 12, 2025

VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone

A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.

Read More →
Safe Driving on Halloween over spooky fall road
Safetyby StaffOctober 20, 2025

Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night

This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.

Read More →
VMS Co-CEO David Prusinski highlights the company’s AI-powered virtual fleet manager designed to improve uptime and reduce operating costs for fleets.
Green Fleetby Lauren FletcherOctober 6, 2025

AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski

VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of tire tracks and winter scenes.
Small FleetMay 24, 2025

Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!

Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.

Read More →