Analogy concepts and applications

Traffic: Q & A

The frustration is all too common. We are smoothly moving through space, when suddenly our flow of traffic slows, and finally grinds to a screeching halt. Getting stuck in traffic is an annoyance -- and a potentially dangerous annoyance as tempers are stretched to the breaking point, accidents become more likely, and countless hours of time and productivity are lost.

What causes a traffic jam?

The most frequent cause of traffic is that of an accident or road construction. However, even after the accident is identified and police begin to direct traffic after the accident or as part of the construction effort, the stoppage may persist. Poor direction of traffic may be the cause, but so may rubber-necking, or a simple inability by drivers to quickly move back into a flow.

Why does it take so long for cars to resume a flow of traffic?

For each second a car must hesitate behind the car in front of it, the communal flow of traffic is slowed down yet another millisecond. A single accident can cause miles of build-up at times of peak rush hour.

3. If traffic is such a terrible problem for commuters, why don't people car-pool or take public transportation?

The culture of our nation is that of a 'car culture' -- even if people must cope with the frustrations of traffic jams, they are often reluctant to sacrifice a vehicle that symbolizes status as well as freedom. Allowing cars carrying more than one person to drive in expedited lanes have proved successful in some areas, as have improvements in public transportation.

4. How can we better education police in the direction of traffic?

Directing traffic can be an 'art' -- ensuring that law enforcement officials are well-prepared and well-versed in doing so and receive frequent retraining is an essential part of traffic management.

5. How can education help remedy traffic problems?

Educating people about the problems of rubber-necking and slowing down after an accident can act to counterweight some of the natural, but counterproductive behaviors of individuals that cause more traffic and more accidents.

6. Can traffic reduction be achieved through reengineering the architecture of the highway system?

Introducing more lanes, reducing the number of turns that force cars to slow down, and having special truck lanes to reduce the likelihood of traffic-paralyzing accidents involving these more dangerous vehicles are all possible ways of using highway design to speed the flow of traffic and reduce accidents.

7. Can traffic reduction be accomplished by addressing problems of specific driver groups?

Reducing the likelihood of accidents amongst high-risk groups like teens by placing license restrictions upon them during certain hours of the day, or requiring older drivers to get retested may help reduce the number of high-risk drivers on the roads who are statistically more likely to cause accidents and jams.