Causes and Effects of Traffic Congestion

Causes and Effects of Traffic Congestion

A traffic jam occurs when traffic demand is great enough that the interaction between vehicles slows the speed between the traffic streams which results in a congestion. It is a common problem among the major cities in various countries throughout the world. Traffic congestion usually occurs at peak times in the morning or evening when people are travelling to work. Millions of people deal with traffic congestion on a daily basis. It is inevitable and has become a part and parcel of life. There are many causes and effects of traffic congestion.

The primary cause of traffic congestion is cars. Cars are becoming highly affordable nowadays. This leads to an increase in too many vehicles on the road. The increase in cars is not in line with the adequate road system and highway infrastructure. It creates a chaotic situation. One way to overcome the problem is to increase the use of public transportation and carpool.

Next, traffic lights also contribute to congestion. Traffic lights that are not functioning are a cause of traffic jams. The faulty operation of traffic signals where the time allocation does not match the volume on the road are a source of congestion be it on major or minor streets. It is inconvenient for people who are in a rush to get to their destinations because it creates unnecessary congestion. Faulty traffic lights should be reported immediately to the local authority so the appropriate actions can be taken promptly.

Traffic congestions are also caused by poor road conditions. Roads that are not maintained have potholes, puddles and uneven surfaces. Drivers tend to slow down at these places to avoid damage to their vehicles. Moreover, road works during the day also leads to traffic congestion. Apart from being dangerous, it is also disruptive and time-consuming as people have to work their way around it. The local authority should always be on the lookout for any...