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Sounds like this technique can be imperfectly implemented without any new technology. Just encourage people to use defensive behavior when they see a jam up ah

by jawns 15y ago

Sounds like this technique can be imperfectly implemented without any new technology. Just encourage people to use defensive behavior when they see a jam up ahead, and optimistic behavior as they leave the jam. Sure, that's limited to people's line of sight (in the case of approaching the jam), but it's better than nothing. Interestingly, I've been assuming both optimal behaviors intuitively. When I see a jam up ahead, I slow down well ahead of time, hoping that by slowing now, I'll avoid a full stop up ahead; similarly, as soon as I get out of the jam, I speed up quickly. Seems like the natural thing to do after a traffic delay.

rix0r 15y ago
We have that system already (at least, here in the Netherlands), where automated overhead signs urge you to decrease your speed in case of traffic jams. In my experience, not a single person follows those signs. Everybody just keeps on going at full speed until they're forced to stop. It would be a lot better (for everyone!) if cars were driven by machines that followed those rules properly.
- Symmetry 15y ago
  Yup. Game theory exists for a reason, people doing public policy should think about its predictions.
  - CWuestefeld 15y ago
    People doing public policy not thinking about its predictions, is one of its predictions.
- nobody314159 15y ago
  They introduced them on the M25 (London's 100mi orbital car park) they also fitted them with speed cameras and heavy fines. It made a lot of difference to the traffic jams, now people pretty much (BMW drivers excepted) follow them
nobody314159 15y ago
As you see brake lights 1/4 mile ahead slow down. The slower the traffic is moving, the larger the gap you leave Try not to actually stop, just slow down and leave larger gaps Unfortunately implementing this would require some sort of intelligent onboard system attached to the car controls possibly using some sort of analog processing - rather than the current digital, drive as fast as possible to as close as possible to the car in front then slam on the brakes.

by jawns 15y ago

rix0r 15y ago

We have that system already (at least, here in the Netherlands), where automated overhead signs urge you to decrease your speed in case of traffic jams. In my experience, not a single person follows those signs. Everybody just keeps on going at full speed until they're forced to stop. It would be a lot better (for everyone!) if cars were driven by machines that followed those rules properly.

Symmetry 15y ago
Yup. Game theory exists for a reason, people doing public policy should think about its predictions.
- CWuestefeld 15y ago
  People doing public policy not thinking about its predictions, is one of its predictions.
nobody314159 15y ago
They introduced them on the M25 (London's 100mi orbital car park) they also fitted them with speed cameras and heavy fines. It made a lot of difference to the traffic jams, now people pretty much (BMW drivers excepted) follow them

nobody314159 15y ago

As you see brake lights 1/4 mile ahead slow down. The slower the traffic is moving, the larger the gap you leave Try not to actually stop, just slow down and leave larger gaps Unfortunately implementing this would require some sort of intelligent onboard system attached to the car controls possibly using some sort of analog processing - rather than the current digital, drive as fast as possible to as close as possible to the car in front then slam on the brakes.