Commuters across the U.S. faced unprecedented delays last year, averaging 63 hours lost annually to traffic, the most since data tracking began in 1982.
The rise marks a sharp increase from pre-pandemic levels, when the typical commuter lost about 54 hours.
Experts say changing travel patterns and more people returning to the roads have driven the shift.
In major metro areas, delays jumped in the vast majority of cities, underscoring growing strain on road systems already stretched by growth and peak-time travel demand.