On a typical Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, between the
hours of 7am and 6pm, at approximately what time(s) is the average
speed of local freeway traffic in major metropolitan areas the
fastest?  In other
words, when is congestion the least?  I'm trying to figure out what
time I should leave the house to start errands.  I live in L.A.

I'll guess between 9:55am and 11:03am. Most people have to arrive at
work at 10 am or earlier. A fair number start their lunch hour at
11am. Selected sections of freeway will have a different lull. LA may
be unique. I have never lived in LA.   Neil

Listen to the traffic report on the radio. The biggest factor in
traffic congestion is an accident blocking lanes. Second biggest
factor is road construction. Only the most recent traffic report will
tell you whats going on out there.