Why Do Highways Get Congested?
4 Answers
Reasons for highway congestion: 1. Traffic accidents ahead force following vehicles to slow down; 2. Severe weather conditions prevent vehicles from maintaining high speeds, turning expressways into low-speed roads; 3. Construction work reduces available lanes, affecting traffic efficiency. Expressways, abbreviated as highways, are roads specifically designed for high-speed vehicle travel. The road surface consists of three main parts: the main carriageway, ramps, and auxiliary lanes. The main carriageway, also known as the roadway, is divided from left to right into overtaking lanes, fast lanes, and slow lanes depending on the number of lanes. The average annual daily traffic volume for expressways should exceed 15,000 passenger car units, with design speeds ranging from 80 to 120 kilometers per hour.
As a commuter who drives on the highway every day, I believe the most common cause of traffic congestion is the excessive vehicle flow during peak hours. During morning and evening rush hours, cars are as numerous as flowing water. Once a single vehicle has an accident or brakes suddenly, the cars behind have to stop like dominoes, creating a chain reaction that paralyzes the entire road section. Accidents account for the majority of congestion sources, as even minor collisions or rear-end crashes occupy lanes. Bad weather, such as heavy rain or fog, slows everyone down and increases the likelihood of accidents, adding to the congestion. Entrances and exits are also pain points, as merging vehicles or those slowing down to queue can cause instant traffic jams. During holiday travel surges, the roads simply can't handle the pressure, making real-time navigation essential to avoid hotspots. For prevention, it's advisable to choose off-peak hours for driving and to remain calm and move slowly when stuck in traffic. Highway congestion wastes time and energy, but it also reminds us to drive steadily and safely, putting safety first.
I'm a travel enthusiast who frequently drives on highways, and traffic jams usually occur during long-distance trips. During holidays like the National Day Golden Week, everyone crowds onto the highways for trips, leading to concentrated traffic flow and long queues at all exits. Accidents are particularly prone to triggering congestion—just one car breaking down or a rear-end collision can cause the entire road to become gridlocked within minutes. Severe weather conditions like heavy rain can cause a sudden drop in speed, and insufficient safe distances can lead to a chain reaction. Some sections of highways are poorly designed, such as sharp curves or narrowing lanes, which can cause inexperienced drivers to frequently change lanes or slow down. The influx of vehicles at on-ramps with significant speed differences can easily create chaos. To minimize traffic jams, I always use apps to check road conditions and choose routes, avoiding peak hours and accident-prone areas. While driving, maintaining a steady speed and keeping a safe distance can help keep traffic flowing smoothly. Though traffic jams are annoying, they're just minor hiccups on the journey.
I often commute on the highway during morning and evening rush hours, where traffic jams are primarily caused by dense vehicle flow leading to minor accidents. Once someone brakes suddenly or makes a lane change mistake, it triggers a chain reaction of slowing down for subsequent vehicles. Rainy or foggy conditions with low visibility increase the likelihood of fender benders and sudden stops. Heavy merging traffic at entry points slows down the flow and worsens congestion. Construction zones with narrowed lanes and poor traffic control further disrupt the flow. While driving, maintain a safe distance and anticipate situations to avoid peak hours. Plan your route using real-time navigation to bypass accident spots, saving time without increasing risks.
