SoCal traffic?

[Hidden_Mickey]

So, I've heard about the infamous traffic in SoCal. Around here, in NYC/CT/NJ, some roads are parking lots all day, no matter what day it is. Rush hour is worse, but the middle of the day is not much better. If you drive at the crack of dawn or after 7:00 pm, it's a lot lighter.

Is there any rhyme or reason to LA traffic? If we leave the hotel at 7:00 am, to get somewhere to avoid the morning rush, will that help? If we plan take our time in an area and return after 7:00 pm, will that help?

What causes the traffic? Is it all volume, or are there a lot of accidents that make it worse? Construction? Poorly designed interchanges?

In general, we know to expect it, but, do you have any suggestions as to definitely what to do or not to do, to ease the pain a little?

Thank you!

 

[WTFetus]

It's mostly just a ton of volume since everyone is getting to work. The earlier you can leave in the morning, the better.

Also, weekends might have less traffic on weekdays depending on where you're headed, since a lot of people have those days off. I drove from Pasadena to USH on July 4th at around 8:00am, and the roads were practically empty since most offices were closed.

 

[superlarz]

Leaving at 7am on a weekday will put you in the heart of Rush Hour. Weekends and holidays the volume builds up a bit later. In the evening, roads will be OK for the most part at some point between 7 and 8