Understanding why traffic slows down helps us all

Like many people, we often get frustrated when there’s an unexpected traffic jam, even if it only lasts for a few minutes. Mentally, those few minutes often seem longer than they really are. The regular slowdowns in traffic seem to be accepted by most commuters because of rush hour traffic volume, so why the difference? Why are some slowdowns or stoppages in traffic taken with a grain of salt and others taken so negatively?

Part of the acceptance is having an understanding just how the major traffic slowdowns happen. Once we understand how it works, we typically won’t have as much of a problem with it. So let’s understand more, starting with the major causes of slowdowns.

As one vehicle ahead begins to brake slightly for whatever reason, the drivers behind them brake slightly more to avoid hitting them or getting too close to them. This braking will eventually magnify with all of the vehicles behind until it creates a surge of stopped or slowed traffic. Hence, a traffic jam has been created. We do understand that just as quick as it takes to slow down the traffic flow, the flow of traffic can get back up to speed just as quick. If more drivers can remember that tidbit of information, it can possibly help reduce their frustration.

Another way that slowdowns happen is when one lane ends, for whatever reason. Sometimes it’s because of construction, a lane turns into an exit lane, a collision has blocked the lane or it’s just how the road was designed. Take a deep breath and let the merging traffic blend into the existing flow. After a few minutes, that flow of traffic tends to speed back up again, so no worries. You can help with that flow by allowing drivers to merge into your lane from the lane ending with minimal slowing. Think of the blending the same as a zipper, which is why this is commonly known as a zipper merge.

Keeping the proper following distance of 2 seconds between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you helps the drivers who are merging into your lane to make their move smoothly. It often means you won’t have to slow much at all, and if you do, you may just have to ease off the gas. Without setting off your brake lights, you won’t be causing a chain reaction of braking of the drivers behind you, which would cause more of a slowdown in traffic.

Weaving in and out of traffic and having to brake for slower traffic you’re approaching is another way to create slowdowns in the traffic flow. Flow is an interesting word. Driving with the same speed as those in your lane helps to keep the traffic flow…flowing. Driving either too fast or too slow in comparison will cause additional braking. This braking will cause drivers behind you to brake and the cycle continues once again.

Now that we understand a little more of why traffic slows down so much, perhaps we can become a little more patient when it does happen. Maybe. We don’t have to like it, but we do need to accept it. Add in the fact of rush hour traffic and poor weather conditions, these slowdowns are now increased. Again, learning to accept it as we know it will happen since these slowdowns are becoming more and more common within our driving world.