It’s never been busier on the road: this is what causes most traffic jams

January 21, 2025

Rush hour remains the big culprit

No surprise, of course: most traffic jams occur during rush hour, according to the Department of Public Works. Logical, since many people take the car around the same time. As many as 77 percent of traffic jams are simply due to congestion. Tuesday and Thursday in particular stand out as the busiest days. Do you hate traffic jams? Then you’d better work at home on those days.

Accidents and road works

In addition to congestion during peak hours, accidents account for 10% of all traffic jams. A minor collision can have major consequences, especially at busy junctions. Planned road works also cause congestion and account for 6% of traffic jams.

How can you avoid traffic jams?

A lot of major work will be done in 2025, so it looks like congestion is not going to ease for a while. Part of the solution to the traffic jam problem lies with ourselves, by traveling outside peak hours – between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has therefore launched a campaign via TV, newspapers, magazines and social media to motivate the Dutch to travel ‘rush hour free’, for example by starting later on busy days like Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Also read: How long can an electric car keep you in traffic before its battery runs out?

How long can you drive an electric car in a traffic jam before the battery runs out?