News & opinion How Houston Commutes: 15 Things You Didn’t Know

How Houston Commutes: 15 Things You Didn’t Know

houston traffic accident map

Like many cities in west of the Mississippi River, Houston is not known for having an extensive public transportation system. As the 4th largest city in the country by population, our lack of transportation can lead to high traffic volume and congested roads. While light rail and an extensive bus system exist, Houston, like Los Angeles, is known as a “car city.” Whenever you mix a high population density with motor vehicles accidents are bound to happen.

As you know, I’ve been working diligently to improve traffic safety in our great city of Houston with projects such as my Houston Interactive Accident Map. To that end, I’m always looking for others who are working toward the same goals. In an effort to improve Houston’s public transportation system, Central Houston, Inc. conducted a survey of employees who work downtown regarding their commute. The information gathered is being used to improve access to downtown for workers and implement other potential improvements. Some of the more interesting facts highlighted by the study include the following:

  1. 52% of downtown workers use some form of transportation other than driving alone to commute.
  2. The average commuting distance for downtown employees is 21 miles.
  3. The average morning commute is 39 minutes, while getting home takes 43 minutes.
  4. Most workers leave for work by 7:00 a.m.
  5. Half leave work to go home between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
  6. 65% of those surveyed indicated that their employer offered a public transit subsidy, and 22% indicated that their employer covered 100% of bus transit.
  7. Most people who drive themselves to work alone park very close to their place of employment, with 73% parking within one block and 95% within 3 blocks.
  8. More than 55% of respondents pay less than $50 for parking per month when including subsidies.
  9. 36% of those surveyed indicated that their employer provided free parking at their place of employment.
  10. Those who drive themselves to work alone are more likely to have employers that provide free parking.
  11. Attorneys are most likely to drive alone (83%), followed by executives (71%), and salespeople (63%).
  12. Those in technical occupations are least likely to drive alone (40%).
  13. There is a notable increase in people leaving downtown during the 10:00 p.m. hour.
  14. More than 25% of those who drive themselves to work alone need a vehicle for work.
  15. Those who use Park & Ride tend to have the longest commutes by distance.

I found these statistics interesting and insightful. Of course, number 11 was particularly interesting – apparently no one wants to ride with an attorney!
The bottom line is this: because of the massive numbers of those who commute throughout our city every day, we have one of the highest rates of auto accidents in the country. Fortunately, Texas law allows victims of car accidents caused by negligence to recover by filing a personal injury claim. The first step that victims can take to obtain compensation for their injuries is to retain the services of a Houston car accident attorney.

Whether you take mass transit to work or are in the vast group who commutes by car, accidents are bound to happen. Houston personal injury attorney Stewart Guss is an experienced attorney who is committed to getting his clients the compensation they deserve. For a free consultation, call our office now at 800-898-4877. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win!

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