Traffic Jam Mystery Solved by Mathematicians

The mathsboyoshave done it again.

But if you want the real reason why traffic slows down, remember that 1969 film starring Michael Caine where a complete city was brought to a standstill.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064505/

Kind Regards.....

Probably a bit simplistic, I know, but isn't it to do with not being able to move due the the car in front? If everyone pulled away at the same time, this wouldn't happen, but most people wait for the car in front to get going before they move off. But they all stop at the same time! Think about it!

Ps. Watch the start of any race, everyone leaves at the same time, taking up less room on the track!

Of course, I'm not a clever chap in a white coat with a grant, so I haven't couched my solution in mathematical symbols, but I have got eyes, and I can draw conclusions!

When I was in college a zillion years ago, a friend took a control theory class where they did a variety of measurements of the traffic in downtown Lubbock, TX. They were able to ascertain the exact speed at which you could avoid all the stop lights - I believe it was 29 mph in a 30 mph zone. They also measured the velocity of the "impulse" - the point at which each driver decides that the car in front of him has moved enough to start his own car moving, and it was something like 2 or 3 mph.

Too bad most people don't understand mathematics. Until the algorithm is programmed into everybody's car my commute is still going to be tedious....

All this time, I thought it had to do with the gawkers staring around trying to determine the cause of the delay.

Well done, if assumptions are made that all vehicles operate properly (safely) and all drivers are reasonably intelligent and trained to drive (the speed limit or above) - bring that theory to Juárez however...or worse yet, Cd. México...

The variables are endless.

I challenge the makers of certain (unnamed) video games based on driving to simulate driving in Mexico - score based on fewest accidents, and time to destination...could be interesting, but a few gaming consoles might get smashed due to frustration.

[I now find myself wondering if blood pressure could be monitored and scored as well - might be a good tool to teach how to properly deal with road rage]

Sorry for rambling. You'd have to be here I guess.

mark it. Im interested in.

but I know there are many mathematicians paying attention to the problem for many years. there are lots of math models about it.