North American cities with the most traffic

Traffic is an obstacle no driver wants to encounter. Sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle inching along the roadway and traveling well under the speed limit can be extremely frustrating, particularly when it occurs while commuting to work or school.

Traffic is avoidable if travelers depart at off-peak hours or take more circuitous routes. Others may be able to steer clear of traffic if they live in cities or towns where congestion on the roadways is less common. However, millions of drivers have no such luxury.

Certain cities across the United States and Canada are plagued by traffic problems. Here's a look at the areas where traffic is the norm, courtesy of TomTom Traffic Index and U.S. News & World Report.

Canada

1. Vancouver

2. Toronto

3. Montreal

4. Ottawa

5. Halifax

6. London

7. Winnipeg

8. Quebec City

9. Hamilton

10. Calgary

United States

1. Chicago

2. Boston

3. New York City

4. Philadelphia

5. Miami

6. Los Angeles

7. San Francisco

8. Washington, D.C.

9. Houston

10. Atlanta

These cities' traffic woes, though significant, still pale in comparison to one of the most congested cities in the world: Bangalore. According to TomTom, this city in India is the most congested metropolis in the world, with a congestion level of 71 percent.