Driver behaviour both problem and solution to traffic jams
Posted March 7, 2011 12:41 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – There’s something to ponder as you’re stuck in traffic: there’s a science to traffic jams, but two traffic experts said the only thing that can prevent gridlock is you.
The Car Insurance Guide is out with some new information on what causes traffic jams, with some potential solutions.
The ‘butterfly effect’ is one of three theories discussed in the guide that’s believed to be behind those frustrating delays on the roads — a small disturbance that causes something bigger.
But Toronto police Const. Hugh Smith with Traffic Services said all the theories in the world can’t make up for the human factor.
“The roads aren’t probably going to get any wider, the traffic is just going to get heavier,” Const. Smith said. “Our behaviour can change for the better.”
The new information from the Car Insurance Guide suggests ramp signals, more bus lanes and reversible lanes as potential traffic solutions.
“If people left 15 minutes earlier than they do today, they would drive better, they wouldn’t be as aggressive because hey, they’ve got more time,” 680News traffic reporter Russ Holden, a 30-plus-year traffic professional, said.
Both men agree the more important piece of of the traffic puzzle is your behaviour behind the wheel.
