By Goda Malinauskaitė, LRT TV, LRT.lt.

The amount of time drivers spend stuck in traffic in Vilnius is increasing each year, with drivers now spending the equivalent of eight to ten days a year behind the wheel, according to the Lithuanian Motorists’ Association. As the city is expanding other transport options, experts push for trams.

Every year, the amount of time spent driving in jams continues to rise, says Tomas Būdvytis, vice-president of the Motorists’ Association. He estimates that, on average, drivers spend around 48 minutes per day in traffic.

“This immediately affects impulsive, irritable behaviour. Some drivers respond by tailgating or pushing others, and it creates mini-chaos at certain junctions at particular times,” he explains.

Rush-hour frustration

Daily morning and evening jams are particularly familiar to those living in the suburbs.

“Suburban residents know the 10-minute rule very well. If you leave late, say at 7.10am, you can end up an hour behind schedule. Traffic starts moving towards the city and congestion forms bottlenecks that are difficult to clear,” says driving instructor Giedrius Pivoriūnas.

Read more: LRT.LT