Introduction
The road networks connecting different states in the United States of America are a resource that is common to the states and there is no driver who is excluded from the use of the roadways but even with this freedom, drivers are frequently faced with the challenge of the heavy traffic which is a mark of the rivalry in the network consumption. A lasting solution to this problem requires overcrowded roadways to be widened through addition of lanes as well as introducing tolls in the usage of the roadways. This paper will discuss both sides of heavy traffic by focusing on the realistic view of traffic congestion at present and in future and the necessary actions that require to be taken to minimize it. (Lomax, 2005 pp23-27)
Widening roadways using additional lanes
Driving can only be regarded as good if the drivers are prepared for each and every eventuality and because it is rare to have an empty road even when it appears clear, the only way to prepare drivers for any eventuality is to minimize distracters. Majority of roads connecting interstates were built when the number of cars were few and also when they used to travel at a slow speed but today the growth of America’s population has overwhelmed the current road network. For example annual coverage of miles has increased by about 130% compared with a road mileage increase of about 5% and this has caused roadways to be dangerously overcrowded and consequently increasing road hazards. Due to the current few lanes about 33%of all traffic accidents occur when vehicles veer off the road hitting trees or other objects.
When a large truck is involved in an accident it is usually the other vehicle in this case the smaller vehicle that causes the accident due to the driver of the smaller vehicle failing to stay out of the blind spots of the truck. When the lanes are close there is little possibility of the truck driver seeing the passenger driver and this increases chances of collision. More time is also needed by large trucks when they are merging into traffic before they can accelerate and gain normal speed than a small car and therefore several lanes would help smaller cars to overtake on the outer lanes without causing a lot of traffic jam.
If a truck is facing a smaller car from the opposite direction there should be a wide distance between the two to avoid sideswipe accident as well as reducing wind turbulence between the two vehicles and this can only be made possible by introducing more lanes. (Down, 2004 pp34-39)
Tolls for using the roadways
Heavy traffic can also be reduced significantly if motorist are charged high tolls to discourage majority of people in using the roads trough private means. The money collected from the toll can be used to fund the enterprise coordinating the collection of charges to build more lanes as well as improving the already existing roads. Unfortunately most of the Americans reject this method because they fear it would be favoring the wealthy and many people would also be finding an alternative route for specific purpose so as to avoid paying tolls. (Alan, 2003 pp14-24)
Conclusion
Traffic congestion on the other hand can also be viewed as a balancing mechanism enabling people to make variety of choices concerning where to live and work especially when people decide to live in low density settlement areas and thus enjoying means of movement that are highly flexible. Congestion also helps people in rationing the scarce space of the available roads in periods when there are many people wanting to use it at once and also challenges the government to allocate more money in building enough roads and adding lanes to accommodate peak hour traffic with little delay.
References
Lomax T. (2005): urban mobility report: Texas transportation institute pp. 23-27.
Down A. (2004): stuck in traffic: Lincoln institute pp. 34-39.
Alan E. (2003): commuting in America: Eno transportation pp. 14-24.