With a smaller population than Alabama’s big cities, like Birmingham or Montgomery, Mobile doesn’t see the same level of traffic congestion. However, if you’re trying to get around when the Mobile Alabama Tunnel is closed or during Mardi Gras celebrations, expect to see some traffic jams.

Mobile, Alabama is a southeastern city known for having the oldest ongoing organized Mardi Gras celebration in America. The downtown area is full of historic buildings and the seafood is legendary—but what’s it like to drive in Mobile during rush hour?

Here with all the answers is

Jerry

, the

car insurance

shopping app. We’ll take a deep dive into traffic in Mobile, from how bad it is to which streets to avoid during the busiest times of the day—then we'll drop some hints for saving big on your

Mobile car insurance cost.

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How bad is Mobile traffic?

All in all, traffic in Mobile is fairly average. There are a few factors that can increase congestion in the city and create some serious traffic jams.

For one thing, Interstate 65 runs through Mobile, along with Interstates 10 and 165. Gridlock can occur during the tourist season in the summer, with an exceptional spike leading up to Mardi Gras celebrations. The city’s waterfront scenery and tourist attractions are a draw for visitors, who contribute to the traffic along Mobile’s main roadways.

Another factor to consider is the number of drivers who commute to work. On average, a driver in Mobile has a daily commute of 21 minutes. Every year, the average resident spends five hours a year sitting in traffic.

MORE:

The 3 best apps for avoiding traffic jams

Why is Mobile traffic so bad?

Although Mobile traffic is generally mild, the accessibility of roadways, influx of tourists, and other factors can definitely make driving to work a headache.

Population size

Mobile is home to over 190,000 people, and the more drivers on the road, the more accidents are likely to occur. Accidents can cause added traffic delays, even in a city the size of Mobile. Plus, during Mardi Gras and the high tourist season, Mobile sees an influx of visitors, which can also add to congestion on the roads.

Major chokepoints

An area that can bottleneck traffic in Mobile is around the Mobile Alabama Tunnel. If the Tunnel is closed, traffic can build up as drivers have to take alternate routes.

I-65, I-10, and I-165 all run through Mobile—driving around the exits and entrances to the Interstates, especially during rush hour, can be unnerving.

Here’s a list of traffic hotspots to avoid when driving in Mobile:

South Warren Street

US-98 West

South Franklin Street

South Conception Street

43 Connector

Lyons Park Ave

Hillcrest Ave

Driving habits

Drivers who are unfamiliar with Mobile’s roads, such as visitors or road trippers, come through all the time. Unfortunately, accidents are more likely to occur when a driver doesn’t know the ins and outs of the local roadways.

Many local drivers in Mobile have a modest commute to work. Long work hours and early mornings can make drivers more irritable on the roads and create more traffic.

MORE: The best type of car insurance to get if you commute long distances

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How to navigate Mobile traffic like a pro

To avoid traffic—and accidents—in Mobile, you can use a few handy methods to get to where you want to go. Steering clear of traffic can help you stay accident-free, meaning your insurance rates will stay manageable. Here are a few tips to help you navigate Mobile traffic:

Avoid rush hour and take back roads when possible. By planning your route to avoid congested areas and times, you can also avoid an increased risk of getting into an accident. This can also help keep your drive to work more relaxed.

Listen to the radio or download an app for traffic updates. Tune into WNTM 710 for local updates on everything from the traffic to the weather. There are also a ton of apps available to help you navigate around traffic jams.

Stay focused. Sometimes, you won’t be able to avoid traffic, but you can still avoid getting a

distracted driving ticket

. Keep your eyes on the road at all times and stay a safe distance from the cars around you.

MORE: The top 5 causes of car accidents

Prepare for Mobile traffic by updating your car insurance

Whether you’re visiting Mobile for Mardi Gras this year or you’re making your daily commute through the Mobile Alabama Tunnel, it’s a good idea to update your car insurance policy to protect your car in the case of a traffic accident.

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FAQs

Is Mobile hard to drive in?

Mobile isn’t hard to navigate, but finding your way around can take a bit of getting used to. Using the Google Map app or a GPS is the easiest way to learn the routes in Mobile.

Which streets in Mobile have the worst traffic?

Some of the worst streets to drive on during rush hour in Mobile are the 43 Connector, Lyons Park Ave, and Hillcrest Ave.

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