Traffic congestion in major cities is a huge problem that is only getting worse as metropolitan areas continue to grow. While it may at first seem like a minor inconvenience, traffic congestion can contribute to collisions as drivers become frustrated and desperate to reach their destinations. Here are a few ways governments can help resolve traffic problems in major cities.
Automobiles aren't the only things that cause traffic congestion in major cities. Pedestrians can also contribute to traffic congestion as well. To help cities reroute vehicle traffic away from areas where pedestrian traffic is highest, technology can be used to track how many pedestrians cross certain streets at different times. This information can be used to decrease road congestion during the busiest times of the day.
Smart corridors are designed to reduce traffic in hazardous areas and on highly congested roads. They use technology to improve travel time and reduce congestion-related accidents and delays. Smart corridors include a variety of components that work together to create one integrated system. These components include ramp metering, traffic information boards, video cameras, and adaptive traffic signal technology.
Reports do not yet confirm that ride sharing alleviates congestion, but it at least gives commuters an alternative to daily driving and may reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Individuals who use ride sharing solutions may also reduce the likelihood of ever needing an attorney for traffic tickets, since any speeding or traffic violation citations are issued to the ride share driver instead of the passengers.
Autonomous vehicle technology may not decrease the total number of vehicles on the road, but it could reduce traffic congestion by decreasing the number of accidents. If all vehicles were equipped with autonomous technology, traffic would move more smoothly and consistently. Congestion and traffic slowdowns are often a direct result of human error, which would be removed from the equation if autonomous vehicle technology solutions were more widely used.