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Tampa, FL – A new national traffic study has named Tampa the worst city in the United States for holiday driving.
The report, published by Consumer Affairs, analyzed traffic data from the 50 most populated metro areas and ranked them based on four main factors: congestion hours during the holidays, average miles traveled, fatal crashes on clear days, and fatal crashes during bad weather.
According to the report, Tampa experienced the largest increase in traffic congestion during the holiday season, with drivers spending about four hours and 24 minutes per day in heavy traffic.
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The city also recorded a 36 percent rise in congestion compared to normal driving conditions, the second-highest increase nationwide.
Researchers found that Tampa drivers travel an average of 28 miles per day during November and December.
The study also reported that Tampa has the third-highest rate of fatal crashes on clear days, averaging 21 deadly crashes per one million residents.
The report placed Tampa at the top of the list for worst holiday traffic, followed by Birmingham, Alabama; St. Louis, Missouri; Cleveland, Ohio; and Phoenix, Arizona.
Consumer Affairs said the data shows that Tampa drivers face both extended delays and a higher likelihood of accidents during the holiday travel period compared to most major U.S. cities.
