Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 beta 3/9/83; site sdcrdcf.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!sdcsvax!sdcrdcf!jlilien From: jlilien@sdcrdcf.UUCP Newsgroups: net.physics,net.auto Subject: Re: physical laws of freeway traffic? Message-ID: <332@sdcrdcf.UUCP> Date: Thu, 16-Jun-83 09:49:22 EDT Article-I.D.: sdcrdcf.332 Posted: Thu Jun 16 09:49:22 1983 Date-Received: Sun, 19-Jun-83 04:28:12 EDT References: <1561@ihnss.UUCP> Reply-To: jlilien@sdcrdcf.UUCP (Joel Lilienkamp) Organization: System Development Corporation--a Burroughs Company Lines: 28 Regarding freeways: Here in Los Angeles, the main creator of snarls on freeways are unmetered intersections (such as Santa Monica/San Diego freeways interchange) and reductions in the number of lanes. However, the oscillating effect can be noticed where these do not occur. I suspect that the problem is that when stupid drivers begin going up a hill, they don't understand that they need to give the engine more throttle or the car will slow down. This, plus the frustrated drivers behind them that try to pass them by changing lanes causes the traffic to slow. Going down the hills has the opposite effect. Since the traffic is very thick (four or more lanes each way as far as the eye can see on a clear day), one such foulup as this could affect traffic three or four mile down the road. Another problem on the freeways here is the impatient driver who is constantly changing lanes to go a little faster. The funny thing is that when several of these types change from one lane to another at about the same time, there is suddenly a lot of space made in the old lane so the traffic looks as if it is moving faster. And so they change again. It is my belief that traffic would flow much better in rush our if drivers would endeavor to maintain steady (if slowed) speed and reduce the lane changes to a minimal. And drivers that can't drive comfortably in such traffic and handle it by slowing down to a crawl should choose other roads to take or other times to drive. There presence on the road at this time is the greatest menace of all. Such is a dream world though; it will never happen! joel