What Are the Worst Traffic Times in Green Bay, Wisconsin?
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 main roadways. The number of crashes in Brown County in 2021 was 3,896, with 5 fatalities and 1,187 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 were 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.
Most Common Causes of Crashes in Heavy Traffic
Speeding and driving while intoxicated are among the most significant causes of traffic accidents in Wisconsin. 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, 618 speed-related crashes resulted in 243 injuries in 2021. 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 233 alcohol-related collisions in Brown County that resulted in two fatalities and 123 injuries.
Even modest amounts of alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to drive. Nationwide, the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .01 to .07 g/dL was 1,775 in 2019.
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. However, anyone can be involved in a distracted driving accident. In 2020, 72% of distracted drivers in Wisconsin were over 25. Saving lives requires drivers who commit to zero distractions and focus on the road.
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.