America’s roads are getting busy again and new emerging patterns, like busier and longer commute periods, more congestion and unpredictable traffic are driving an increase in accidents, according to a new report.
Although low-speed fender benders are rising during crowded rush hours, the bigger risk for more accidents is the steady increase in long trips and extended daily commutes, the “2025 Driving Behavior Report” by accident analytics company Arity shows. These types of trips create more exposure to severe crashes, higher claim costs and potentially higher premiums.
For motorists, it’s important to understand these new driving and traffic patterns and adjust their driving accordingly to reduce the chances of being in a collision.
How traffic patterns are changing again
Arity’s report identified several shifts in how and when people drive that are raising the risk of collisions. Some findings of the report include:
- Drivers are taking longer trips in their vehicles.
- Congestion is rising, resulting in more braking, sudden acceleration and stop-and-go patterns.
- Morning commutes are now the busiest they’ve been since 2021. That’s largely due to return-to-office mandates that result in more people on the roads.
- Afternoon traffic is less predictable. Instead of one tight evening rush hour, individual commutes now stretch over several hours as workers leave offices at different times.
- Midweek travel has become the new peak. Tuesdays through Thursdays carry the highest commuter loads, while Mondays and Fridays remain lighter.
What drivers can do
These trends could eventually influence how insurers calculate premiums. While drivers can’t control congestion or workplace rules, they can take steps to manage their own exposure:
- Build in extra time. Rushed driving leads to sudden acceleration, hard braking and greater crash risk.
- Avoid peak periods when possible. Midweek mornings are now the most congested nationwide.
- Use navigation apps that show real-time delays and safer alternate routes.
- Keep your distance. Most urban crashes happen in stop-and-go traffic where tailgating leads to fender benders.
- Reduce phone use. Distracted driving remains one of the strongest predictors of crash severity.
- Consider a usage-based insurance program if you tend to drive safely. Telematics can lower costs for drivers with good habits.
- Watch weather alerts. Arity’s data shows sharp spikes in hard braking and distraction during evacuation events and extreme weather.
Takeaway
Driving behavior in America is shifting as more people return to offices, move farther from job centers and juggle flexible schedules.
Longer trips and heavier congestion are raising accident exposure, especially on local roads.
Drivers can protect themselves and their premiums by staying alert, reducing distraction and planning for new traffic patterns.