Maryland Drivers Spend Almost 12 Days a Year Sitting in Traffic on the Way to Work
Andrew Koole
· 3 min read
Part of the reason commuting in Maryland costs so much is because of how many hours the average commute takes in the state. Traveling from home to work in Maryland takes an average of 32.9 minutes. That’s six minutes more each way than the national average. If you add up all this time, that’s almost 12 days every year!
Commuting isn’t just boring and expensive—it’s unhealthy. Studies show that a daily commute can lead to long-term muscle pain, increased anxiety, and obesity. So what’s a Marylander to do? Jerry’s come up with a few ideas.
Why commuting is so bad for you
In any state, commuting takes an unfortunate chunk of change out of your pocket. But its toll on your body might be worse than any amount of money, especially in Maryland.
The state comes second, only behind
New York
, for average time spent commuting. In all, the average Maryland commuter spends over 286 hours every year getting to work. All that time sitting in stress would do a number on anyone’s body.Neck and back pain are obvious side effects of a long commute, but there are plenty of others. People with long commutes are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.
MORE: Traffic to Work? Here's How to Have a Better Commute
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How Maryland drivers can curb the negative impact of commuting
The best way to avoid the adverse side effects of commuting is to avoid the drive into work altogether. Remote positions and schedule flexibility have become increasingly common since the pandemic forced businesses to install work-from-home protocols.
But for those without the option to work from home, all hope is not lost.
Vox
says a study conducted in Montreal revealed that people who commute by bicycle, train, or on foot suffer less mental health side effects than those who take the bus, metro, or drive.These three modes of transportation can also help reduce the financial cost of commuting, and they aren’t the only way. Carpooling, using a fuel-efficient vehicle, moving closer to work, and shopping for cheaper car insurance can also lower commuting costs.
Tips for implementing commuter cost-saving tactics
Like working remotely, moving isn’t possible for everyone, nor are the healthier transportation alternatives listed above. But the other strategies for reducing commuting costs are available to all.
If you don’t have coworkers who live in your area, apps like
GoCarma
can connect you with neighbors to share the ride with. Some of the cheapest cars on the market also have the best fuel economy, and starting prices for hybrids and EVs get lower every year.But one of the easiest ways to lower the cost of your commute is to shop for
car insurance
with Jerry. Jerry is your ultra-talented car insurance broker for life. No need to sit across from him at a desk—Jerry is an app! Once you download Jerry, just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan. Jerry customers save an average of $887 a year.
