What Are the Worst Traffic Times in Green Bay, Wisconsin?

Originally published February 28, 2022. Updated November 10, 2023.

Many people who move away from larger cities to find cheaper housing and other benefits continue to work in the city, increasing their commute time and risk of car accidents on surrounding roadways. There were 3,487 car crashes in Brown County in 2022, causing 13 deaths and 1,204 injuries. Knowing when the worst traffic times are in Green Bay can help you avoid commuting during those periods.

No matter how serious the car accident, injured people and their family members must deal with injuries, medical bills, damages, and insurance claims. Your Green Bay car accident attorney can help you get maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.

The Worst Times of Day for Traffic in Green Bay, Wisconsin

The average time for commuting to work in Green Bay is 18 minutes, but traffic conditions can impact this duration. Peak morning rush hour times are between 7:00 a.m. and 7:59 a.m. Rush hour in the early evening is between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The following areas experience congestion during these times:

Interstate 41

From northwest to southeast, US I-41 runs through Green Bay, through Suamico, to Downtown Green Bay. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation estimates that the average daily traffic ranges from 59,100 to 62,400 vehicles.

Interstate 43

Interstate 43 travels southeast from Bellevue to Green Bay and then north along the city’s east side to the bridge across the Fox River. There are 26,300 to 35,600 vehicles per day on average on this interstate.

Wisconsin Trunk Highway 29 (WIS 29)

WIS 29 is an expressway that links Green Bay to western Wisconsin. It starts as a freeway into Green Bay but becomes a limited-access highway before the interchange with Interstate 41. About 30,400 vehicles use this expressway daily on average.

Besides looking for other routes, to avoid driving in heavy traffic, consider alternative commuting strategies such as using public transportation, carpooling, or biking.

Most Common Causes of Crashes in Heavy Traffic

When a driver acts carelessly behind the wheel, fatalities and injuries occur. Some of the most common reasons accidents occur in heavy traffic include:

Speeding

During heavy traffic, drivers may speed, change lanes often, or become enraged at anyone blocking their cars. They may also attempt to speed during traffic to get to work, school, or their next meeting on time. In Brown County, 660 speed-related crashes resulted in three deaths and 214 injuries in 2022. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes speeding contributes to car accidents because it:

• Lessens the driver’s ability to navigate around obstacles safely.
• Increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle if a hazard is spotted.
• Seatbelts, airbags, and other car safety equipment are less effective.

If someone is caught speeding by the police, the speeding fine can cost anywhere from $200 to $800. They can also receive demerit points, have their license suspended, and see their insurance rates increase.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is another common cause of accidents in congested areas, with 259 alcohol-related collisions in Brown County in 2022 that resulted in five fatalities and 115 injuries.

Even modest amounts of alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to drive. Nationwide, 2,266 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .01 to .07 g/dL in 2021.

As your BAC rises, so does the likelihood of causing an accident. Multiple factors can affect your BAC, including the amount of alcohol consumed, the rate of consumption, and your age. A BAC of 0.15 may seriously impair your ability to drive and process visual and auditory information. Everyone reacts differently to alcohol, so any amount of drinking puts you at risk when you’re driving.

Distracted Driving

According to the Wisconsin DOT, distracted driving causes a car accident every 22 minutes. Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts your attention away from driving. Some examples of distracted driving include:

• Taking your hands off the wheel.
• Texting with a cell phone.
• Applying makeup.
• Searching for items in the car.

Teenage drivers cause roughly 13 distracted driving-related crashes statewide every day during June, July, and August when they are out of school. However, anyone can be involved in a distracted driving accident. Saving lives requires drivers who commit to zero distractions and focus on the road.

Other Causes of Crashes

While it’s commonly understood that driver error causes traffic accidents, there are less obvious factors that also contribute to mishaps on the road.

Weather

When we think of weather-related accidents, we typically picture blizzards or downpours, but even subtle changes in weather can impact driving conditions. A light drizzle can create slick surfaces, sun glare can blind drivers, and high winds can destabilize vehicles, leading to collisions.

Construction

Construction zones can also be hotspots for accidents, with confusing signage, unclear lane markings, or sudden detours that catch drivers by surprise. They can also introduce uneven road surfaces and loose gravel, which can increase the likelihood of crashes.

Infrastructure Issues

The very design and condition of the roads we travel on can contribute to traffic accidents. Poorly designed road junctions can lead to confusing, dangerous merging situations. Also, inadequate street lighting, faded road markings, and potholes can cause drivers to collide.

When drivers encounter hazardous situations like these, but don’t adjust their driving in any way (such as by slowing down), they can typically be held responsible when they cause crashes.

What to Do If You’re in an Accident

Being in a car accident can be terrifying and confusing. To protect your well-being and legal rights, follow these steps if you ever find yourself involved in an accident.

• Prioritize Safety: Immediately after an accident, if possible, move your vehicle away from the flow of traffic and check yourself for injuries. This is especially important when in heavy traffic, since leaving your car in place increases the risk of a second collision.
• Contact the Police: Even for minor accidents, it’s crucial to obtain an official report, which will be vital when dealing with insurance companies.
• Exchange Information: Exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.
• Document the Scene: Taking care to avoid passing traffic, take photos of the accident scene from different angles, showcasing the damage to all vehicles and any relevant road signs or conditions. Also, photograph any injuries you’ve sustained.
• Seek Medical Attention: See a medical professional as soon as you can after the accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and medical records will be important if you later claim for personal injury.
• Notify Your Insurer: Promptly inform your own insurance company of the accident, but be wary of communicating with the other party’s insurance. Insurance companies may try to blame you or offer unfairly low settlements.
• Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: An experienced attorney can help you navigate the aftermath of an accident and make sure your rights are protected.

Work With a Green Bay Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in an accident on one of Green Bay’s major highways due to someone else’s negligence, Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can help.

Contact our Green Bay car accident lawyers for assistance calculating past and future damages for a fair settlement. Get a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer at our law firm to discuss all your legal options and learn your next steps.