Why Does Traffic Jam Happen on Rainy Days?
4 Answers
The reasons for traffic jams on rainy days are as follows: 1. Drivers become more cautious: People tend to drive more cautiously in rainy weather, often slowing down, which extends travel time and increases the load on the traffic system, leading to congestion. 2. Slippery road surfaces: After rain, road surfaces become slippery, reducing the friction coefficient. Combined with increased friction, inexperienced drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, and traffic violations also rise, naturally decreasing traffic efficiency. The incidence of traffic accidents on rainy days is more than five times higher than usual. 3. Increased traffic volume: On rainy days, people are more likely to use private cars or taxis for travel. In contrast, on sunny days, they might opt for non-motorized vehicles or walking. The increased number of cars and buses on rainy days contributes to higher traffic volume.
I remember one time driving home in heavy rain, with raindrops hitting the windshield so hard that visibility was terribly blurred, like looking through frosted glass. Everyone had to slow down just in case, turning what should have been a 30-minute drive into over an hour. The wet roads made tires prone to skidding, and braking distances at least doubled, making rear-end collisions a real risk with just a moment's inattention. Once an accident happened, the whole road would be completely jammed. Pedestrians with umbrellas dodging the rain crossed streets slowly, affecting traffic flow. And in areas with deep standing water, cars could stall and block lanes. With all these factors combined, traffic jams became routine. For safety's sake, I always remind myself to allow extra time when going out in the rain.
As someone who commutes in the city every day, I've observed that traffic during rainy days is simply chaotic, and the reasons are quite obvious. The windshield wipers are working overtime, yet visibility remains low, naturally making drivers hesitant to speed up. As speeds decrease, the spacing between vehicles expands, instantly halving the road's capacity. Increased water accumulation on the road surface reduces tire grip, leading to a surge in traffic accident rates, where even minor fender benders can trigger a chain reaction of massive traffic jams. Pedestrians walking slowly with umbrellas add to delays when crossing the street. Additionally, rainy weather can affect traffic signal systems, with poor coordination exacerbating congestion. I recommend avoiding peak hours or switching to public transport to save a lot of hassle.
When it rains, city roads turn into parking lots. I think it's because driving conditions deteriorate. Rain obstructs visibility, making it hard to see far ahead, so cars move cautiously to avoid accidents. The roads become as slippery as ice rinks, requiring early braking and increased following distances, which naturally reduces traffic efficiency. More accidents occur in the rain, and their slower handling further slows overall flow. Pedestrians and cyclists also move more slowly to avoid the rain, affecting traffic smoothness. I really hope smart systems can optimize management to reduce such annoyances.
