How Bad Is Dayton Traffic?

Dayton is ranked #74 for worst traffic in the US, with drivers losing an average of 33 hours per year in traffic.
Written by Sarah Williams
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Compared to other major cities, traffic in Dayton isn’t too bad. Dayton ranks at No. 221 for bad traffic compared to other U.S. cities. Drivers lose an average of 33 hours a year sitting in it.  
Dayton, Ohio is a big city with all the Midwestern charm of a small town. Known as the birthplace of aviation, Dayton is home to all things air travel—including the largest military aviation museum in the world: the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. 
Luckily, Dayton’s traffic statistics are unremarkable when it comes to land travel. Like any other fairly large city, Dayton suffers some congestion during rush hour—particularly on I-75. We're here to help break down everything you need to know about Dayton traffic. Let's get started.
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How bad is Dayton traffic?

The
2021 Global Traffic Scorecard
ranks Dayton as No. 221 for bad traffic in the United States. On average, Dayton drivers lose
33 hours a year
in traffic.  
Naturally, these numbers vary annually, and Dayton saw particular deviations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting shutdowns. Take a look at how the numbers have changed over the last few years: 
Year
Hours lost to congestion
2019
43 hours
2020
29 hours
2021
33 hours

Why is Dayton traffic so bad?

While Dayton's traffic is better than many other U.S. cities, it still comes with downfalls. Some factors contributing to traffic congestion are the city’s infrastructure, overall population, and residents' driving habits. Read on for more about each.

Population size 

With over 800,000 people living in Greater Dayton and the majority driving to work every day, experiencing some congestion comes as no surprise. The average commuter spends 19.8 minutes driving to work, but this can vary dramatically depending on the time of day and the route taken. 

Major chokepoints

Residents report that although Dayton traffic isn’t bad, there are frequent accidents causing congestion on I-75 between Highway 35 and I-70. Besides that, snow and construction are other causes of heavy traffic in Dayton. 

Driving habits

You can save time driving in Dayton by paying attention to other drivers’ habits. For example, on Thursdays, between 5:00 and 6:00 pm is the busiest time on the road. You could save up to two hours per year by driving after 6:00 pm on Thursdays in Dayton. 
MORE: The best type of car insurance to get if you commute long distances
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How to navigate Dayton traffic like a pro

Not only is heavy traffic maddening to sit through, but it is often connected to a high rate of car accidents. Dayton sees the majority of its accidents in the summer months, in the evenings, and on days with clear weather. 
To avoid falling prey to the accident statistics in Dayton—and paying the increased insurance premiums that come with it—follow these tips to navigate Dayton traffic like a pro: 
  • Avoid driving during rush hour. Dayton’s evening rush hour is between 4:00 and 7:00 pm on weekdays. As the roads get crowded and the daylight fades, this can be a dangerous time to drive. 
  • Look into backroad routes. While driving through downtown Dayton on I-75 may seem like the fastest way to get through town, it is also one of the most congested roadways. Heavy traffic can dramatically increase your commute time. Combat this by taking back roads when possible. 
  • Use a traffic app to keep tabs on the best routes. Traffic apps allow you to find the best routes by offering real-time updates on construction, accidents, and other disruptions to the flow of traffic. 
  • Stay focused. The best way to avoid getting into an accident yourself is to remain alert. Avoid partaking in
    distracted driving
    by playing loud music, snacking on food, or using your cell phone. 

Prepare for Dayton traffic by updating your car insurance

Whether you're visiting or navigating your daily commute, updating your car insurance is the best way to protect yourself on the road in Dayton. Go to
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FAQs

If you’re looking to avoid some of the congestion hotspots in Dayton, avoid I-75. Beyond that you can look out for slowdowns on Keowee Street/Highway 35, West 2nd Street/North Perry Street, 3rd Street, Franklin Street/Perry Street, and 1st Street.
One of the easiest ways to stay up to date on traffic while you’re driving is the radio. This is a hands-free way to keep your ear to the ground. Some radio stations with the best traffic updates in Dayton are 1290 AM and 95.7 FM.
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