Everyone faces traffic jams at intersections in their daily life. As a driver, you obviously want to avoid these jams. Basically, more vehicles are not the only thing behind these jams.
So, in this article you will know the common reasons for traffic jams with their effects and solutions. Let’s start reading!
What Causes Traffic Jam?
There are many reasons behind traffic jams that you may face in your daily life on the roads. Following are some of them.
Public Transportation Problems
A big reason for traffic jams is our poor public transport system. Basically, there are still many areas in several countries where public transport is not available.
In this case, you have to use your personal car or bike, which means that the number of vehicles increases and the chances of traffic jams too.
Traffic Bottleneck
Traffic bottleneck is the area where roads become narrow and have less space to handle large numbers of vehicles. Commonly, you can find it near toll plazas where you have to reduce the speed and pay at the toll booth.
In fact, during road construction or accidents, some lanes are closed temporarily, which also creates traffic bottlenecks.
Extreme Weather Conditions
According to your geographical location, you can face different weather conditions, which can affect your traffic routine. For example: heavy rainfall, snowfall, storms and excessive heat waves. These weather scenarios can damage or block roads and highways.
Bad Driving Habits
You may observe that many drivers use mobile phones, eat snacks and smoke when they drive which is a bad habit. In addition, when you change lanes or turn your car suddenly without any sign it is also considered as a bad habit. These things disturb the flow of traffic and even result in accidents.
Potholes in the Road
Potholes are cracks and holes present on the roads. These potholes mess up traffic flow because you suddenly slow down your vehicle when you see them. Plus, your car may get damaged too which can block the road for others.
Construction Zone / Work Zone
If you travel near construction zones, then you may face more traffic jams. The reason is that there is heavy machinery, vehicles and workers which use the same road. And these big vehicles need extra space to turn and move which slows down the flow of traffic.
Phantom Traffic Jam Simulation
Have you ever been stuck in a traffic jam without any clear reason? Actually, it’s a phantom traffic jam or ripple effect where you can face this type of traffic jam.
A Phantom traffic jam is created when one person slows down their car, and the traffic behind them also follows them. Basically, you can observe it in areas where cars are too close to each other.
Road infrastructure
There are many traffic jams that you can face due to poor road infrastructure. Mainly, road infrastructure includes many things like road maintenance, broken bridges, unrepaired traffic lights etc.
Because of these problems, you have to wait and slow down your vehicle. Moreover, the bad drainage system and absence of traffic signs also affect your traffic flow.
Accidents on Roads
Accidents are the common reason for traffic jams. In fact, if your car crashes then your car can roll and slide on the road and block the path of others. In case of rescue, the emergency vehicle needs more space to help you which also causes traffic congestion.
Bad Route Management Systems
A bad route management system means that your higher authorities have not separated the lanes for heavy and light weight vehicles. Plus, they don’t place sign boards for proper diversions. Which means that you and other heavy vehicle drivers have to use the same road and it can lead to traffic jams.
Road Construction and Maintenance
You will obviously know that road construction or maintenance is not done in one day. It takes many weeks or even months to construct roads or to repair its potholes. At that time, you must see traffic blockage and traffic jams because of workers, temporary road closures, and heavy machinery.
Railway Crossings
The path of the trains also affects your traffic flow. Actually, when the train passes through a city, the railway crossing gates are closed. So, the road is blocked for a small duration. You have to stop and wait in lines for 5 to 10 minutes, which results in traffic jams.
Road Debris
Road debris are branches of trees, stones, broken parts of vehicles and pieces of tires on the road that blocks your way. Like if you see a rock on the road then you will definitely slow down your vehicle which creates disturbance for you and other drivers. Moreover, when workers clean the road and remove these things it also causes traffic jams.
During Peak Hours
As you know, traffic jams are seen all over the world in the early morning and evening time because these are peak hours. Basically, peak hours are the specific hours when people go to or return from their everyday tasks. At this time, the streets become more busy and blocked because jobians, students and businessmen are on the road at same time.
Overpopulation
Overpopulation is when too many people are at one place and are more than available resources. So, when the number of people increases, the number of vehicles also increases. It means you can face more traffic on the road that is tough to handle and can create traffic jams.
Petrol Pumps
In many cities, petrol pumps are built at wrong locations, mostly near markets and in the middle of the city. At such a place, when you stop to refuel your tank you have to wait in a queue for your turn. These queues may disturb the traffic flow on the nearby roads and intersections.
Effects of Traffic Jam or Traffic Jam Consequence
There are many negative effects of traffic jams in our daily life. But the effects of traffic congestion on the environment are much more than that like air pollution and noise pollution.
- Traffic jams can cause accidents because it can frustrate you and in hurry you can make wrong decisions which may cause accidents and collisions.
- Your travel time can be increased due to it. Plus, you can miss your flight or train when you are stuck in a traffic jam.
- It can increase air pollution which makes you ill, like you can suffer from asthma and other lungs or heart related problems.
- If your cargo truck contains time-sensitive items and it is blocked in a traffic jam then your food can be spoiled. Plus, as a delivery person your parcel can reach late at the destination.
- Your emergency and rescue vehicles can be trapped between traffic jams which is an alarming condition for you.
Traffic Jam Solutions / How Can We Control Traffic?
- You should follow proper traffic lights and traffic signs to manage the overall flow of your traffic. Moreover, smart traffic systems should be used for public awareness.
- Traffic rules and regulations must be followed strictly to avoid traffic blockage.
- Your roads should be upgraded or repaired with the time so that the road condition does not cause delays.
- You should prefer public transport over personal cars which can reduce the number of vehicles on the road. In addition, as a responsible government employee you should make a good public transportation system.
- You should avoid peak hours to travel if it’s not an emergency.
- You should choose “Work from Home” which is the biggest advantage of the internet.
- If you want to reduce traffic jams then proper parking spaces can also contribute to it. Because parking anywhere on the road also works as a blockage or barrier.
- You can use google maps or other real-time traffic information applications to choose alternative routes of your destination.
Wrapping It Up
Traffic jams may be unavoidable for many people, but several causes can be managed. For example: accidents, potholes and overcrowded road problems definitely have solutions.
You must choose smart travel time and follow road rules to reduce delays. Further, better road infrastructure, good driving behaviours and route planning can make travel safe for everyone on the road.
FAQs
What is Carpooling?
Carpooling means you share your vehicle with other people who have the same destination. For example: you and your colleagues decide to use one car for going to the office which decreases fuel cost and number of vehicles.
What is Rubbernecking in Driving?
There are many people that slow down or stop their vehicle just to see an accident happen on the road, it is rubbernecking. Basically, this action blocks the road for others and emergency vehicles also face difficulties.
How Congestion Effect Economics?
Traffic blockage wastes your time and fuel so you have to spend more money. Plus, it also delays your cargo trucks and work which indirectly affects your economy.
What is Smart Traffic Management System?
Smart traffic management system is a smart step to improve the flow of traffic with the help of modern technologies. These technologies are CCTV cameras, sensors, smart parking systems and real time traffic information applications.
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