Who among us hasn’t experienced the frustration of being stuck in horrendous traffic jams for hours, unable to move, which could significantly disrupt our ability to arrive at work, school, or university on time?
Indeed, traffic congestion is a common challenge in cities worldwide, an inevitable reality that cannot be completely eradicated. However, by implementing thoughtful strategies, we can take steps to lessen its effects.
What causes traffic jams?
Several factors contribute to traffic congestion, including rising incomes resulting in greater car ownership, urbanization attracting more individuals to cities, and the inadequacy or underuse of public transportation.
We will explore some of these contributing elements. Traffic jams stem from a variety of causes; while some can be mitigated through proper driving practices, others are the consequence of events beyond our control.
Road Network
Issues within the road network significantly contribute to congestion, especially in cities where the infrastructure is outdated and not designed to handle the current traffic volumes. Poor maintenance can lead to road deterioration, resulting in narrower lanes and a reduction in overall capacity. Furthermore, construction projects often block traffic lanes, creating significant bottlenecks and impeding the smooth flow of vehicles.
Accidents & Crashes
The Saudi Arabian Transport General Authority says that each year, road accidents cause $21 billion in expenses to the country’s economy in addition to human casualties. They also result in traffic jams that affect both pedestrians and vehicles.
The Weather
One of the main causes of traffic jams is bad weather; during fog, rain, or sandstorms, cars move slowly on the roads.
More Cars
The number of cars in the world is increasing in line with population growth, primarily because owning a car is becoming more of a need for transportation and business than a luxury.
Driving Mistakes
Incorrect overtaking, repeated lane changes, and slowing down to find a parking space are among the common mistakes drivers make that result in traffic jams.
Avoiding Traffic Jams: Tips & Tricks
Here are some advice and tips to reduce the negative impact of traffic jams on your schedule:
Carpooling
Check if it’s available and legal in your city. Sharing rides reduces vehicles on the road, improves your journey by building connections, and helps ease urban traffic congestion.
Taking Shortcuts
Try longer-distance routes to avoid traffic jams; therefore, we suggest getting an electric vehicle to save fuel consumption.
Using Technology
You can use the technology in your car or on your phone to avoid traffic jams, as shown below:
- Use the newgen facility to find and avoid traffic jams
- Employing driving assistance technologies, which offer alternative routes
- Try Google Maps to locate busy areas.
- Install apps that connect you with other drivers so you can ask them about alternate routes, which will help you get around traffic jams.
Stay Away from Peak Times
This is probably not the first time you’ve heard this tip, and you may think it’s unachievable because of working hours timing, but even a five-minute early leave will have an impact.
Self-driving Cars
Are you familiar with the underground driving lane? Self-driving cars will travel in lanes beneath the streets, and although safety issues exist, it is likely that AI will advance to the point where direct communication between the vehicle and the driver is possible. This will transform driving in the future and reduce traffic jams.
Fees on Certain Roads
The governments of New York, Singapore, London, and Stockholm, are charging people more and more for using heavily trafficked routes that should stay empty in an emergency, particularly when there are other options.
Getting Small SUVs
When multiple people use a small SUV to get somewhere, fewer cars will be on the road, which reduces traffic jams.
Preparedness
Unexpected traffic jams can disrupt even the most meticulously planned journeys. Keeping an alternative route in mind or maintaining a flexible schedule is key to effectively managing these unforeseen delays. Furthermore, it’s vital to remain patient; traffic congestion is a frequent issue, and resorting to aggressive driving only worsens the situation.
It is said that driving is an art that can be learned, improved over time, and then used to escape road problems.
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