Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called "rush hour"?

Question

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called "rush hour"?

Answer 1

Probably because everyone's rushing to get home (or to work depending on whether you're talking morning or evening)

Answer 2

People are rushing.  It doesn't say "getting home quick" hour.  

But you are right.

Good Luck.

P.S. Actually there are many places in USA where traffic is NOT so bad and rush hour is actaully for rushing home quickly. You and I just live in rat hole of a city.

Answer 3

Its because of the surge in vehicles. Its because everyone is 'rushing' home!

Answer 4

Because it is an oxymoron.  People are rushing to get home or to work, but the amount of people clogs the roads, hence the oxymoron.

Answer 5

They're all in cars because they're in a rush, and their rushing out of places to rush to another. If it weren't for the volume of cars with drivers rushing they'd be going as quickly as is legally allowed, which would be rushing.

Answer 6

Thats quite funny i never thought about it like that, they should call it snail hour.

Answer 7

Because everyone is rushing to get somewhere

Answer 8

Because that's the time where commuter are either going hoome or going to work.

Answer 9

Everyone is rushing to get home at the same time.