Traffic congestion


Traffic jam Traffic congestion occurs when the volume of traffic on a roadway is high enough to be detrimental to its performance. In congested conditions, vehicles speeds are reduced increasing drive times. These conditions are also more taxing for drivers, and automobile accidents may be more frequent. Furthermore, vehicles burn unnecessary fuel when stuck at idle. A period of extreme traffic congestion is known as a traffic jam.

Background

In the United States, construction of new highway capacity has not kept pace with population increases and the resulting increase in demand for highway travel. Between 1980 and 1999, road miles of highways increased by only 1.5 percent, while vehicle miles of travel there increased 76 percent. The Texas Transportation Institute estimates that in 2000 the 75 largest metropolitan areas experienced 3.6 billion vehicle-hours of delay, resulting in 5.7 billion gallons (21.6 billion liters) in wasted fuel and $67.5 billion in lost productivity. Traffic congestion is increasing in major cities, and delays are becoming more frequent in smaller cities and rural areas. The five areas in the United States with the highest congestion are: Due to dramatic population increase, San Diego and Las Vegas have seen their congestion levels increase by more than 50 percent since 1982.

Classification

The U.S. Department of Transportation uses the following scale, based on lane occupancy, to classify traffic congestion:

Attempts to alleviate traffic congestion

See also

de:Verkehrsstau nl:File (verkeer) ja:渋滞 Category:Transportation
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