Why do Traffic Jams Occur out of Nowhere?

Why do traffic jams occur? Ever been in a traffic jam and had no idea why it even happened? Good Stuff producer Sam Grant tells you why.

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References:

[bambufan]

I always knew the cause of traffic jams were all those a-holes in front of me!

[Azivegu]

Pro tip: While stuck in a traffic jam, dont just follow the car in front of you. Look at the car in front of the one before you and see its motion to predict when the car in front of you will make changes to it's speed. That way you improve your timing and keep traffic moving more fluidly. Also, try not to come to a complete stop. It's better to just keep driving at 5 m-/kph consistently than to speed up to 15 and then having to brake.

[lifevest]

We need to revise driving tests. We need to teach people how to zipper merge properly and use all lanes in backups. We also need drivers tests to be retaken every 5 years to ensure said driver is still capable.

[winonadaphne]

wait why is watching the cars stop and go again so funny
it's like watching a group of ducks waddle, pause for no reason, and waddle off again

[joebloe]

I realized this in middle school gym class, when we would all run around the gym in a big circle. The areas with greater density moved slower because people slowed down to avoid collisions, and this caused a chain reaction.

[LoveMashina]

I have had many jobs that require long distance travel, including driving a semi. I'd like to add on to what you're saying in the video. Traffic isn't always human error, it's human impatience and selfishness. "Rush Hour" for example. I tried to keep this short and sweet. I've thought about this quite a bit. I've listed a few things I believe cause around 90% of "Traffic". The truth is if we kept space, pace and drove smoother we'd all get home safer, and faster.
What causes Phantom Jams: Human Psychology
1. Tailgating. Often done to prevent people from getting in front of them, and to intimidate people to speed up. Causes people to over-brake out of fear of hitting the vehicle 3 feet in front of them every time they see brake lights resulting in chain reactions. Also, overaccelerating during stop-go traffic which then results in over-braking again.
2. Lane Weaving. Often done to somehow win an imaginary race. Causes yourself or those you cut off to over-brake resulting in chain reactions.

Rules of the Road: Preventing Traffic Jams and Accidents.
1. Change lanes as early and as effortlessly as you can. Find adequate space to prevent person you're cutting in front of from having to slow down to create safe space. Only change lanes when necessary.
2. Create adequate space for steady braking and those needing to change lanes.
3. Keep as steady a pace as you're safely able. No sudden braking or overaccelerating that will result in having to suddenly brake.
TL;DR Respect each other's space, keep a steady pace, change lanes early and signal. (3 Blinks+) Speeding/Weaving doesn't save anywhere near as much time as you think.

[phynx]

I work for an Transportation Engineering Firm in Ontario, Canada and that was very well explained Sam, excellent job.

[rallypacific]

Simply slowing without actually braking can really help. As soon as that brake light comes on that shockwave will start.

[TRYtoHELPyou]

What's crazy... You leave a bit of a gap (large or small) so you can smooth out your own slowing and speeding to then smooth it out overall .... and people behind you want you to fill in the gap and ride the bumper of the person in front of you after passing you. That overhead footage was great! This makes me feel better about the way I drive...

[phishENchimps]

While driving through Vermont, I did encounter a few traffic jams, but they were a bit different. people didn't fight for each spot and the whole flow slowly moved. people also gave more space between each other, and with out someone racing up alongside, people respected it.

[MBTHinSPACE]

They should re-do that circle car test again with driveless cars to see if a jam occurs

[waynehearst]

how does this video not have millions of views? I know at least 100 million people have seriously lamented about this.

[Westcoastmickey]

you forgot the most important rule staying to the right lane unless you are passing someone

[mikegillihan]

The 3 second rule works great for following distance. It works well at all speeds. Sadly it is mostly unknown on California freeways.

[creeib]

You are NOT stuck in traffic.
You are the traffic

[JeremyBX]

I had a feelling that traffic was started by some guy cutting some other guy off 14 minutes ago, but that equation you showed us was insane, and now I have another reason for why they teach us so much seemingly absurd math concepts in college.

[SpectralightPhoto]

My favorite bumper sticker reads, "If I'm passing you on your right... you're an IDIOT!"

[cheyennenguyen]

thank you for simplifying the reason why instead of getting too technical

[averyellis]

1:05 “if we were all machines” a great case for automated driving, I say.

[gnetkuji]

I mean, trains work pretty good and they're already automated enough by virtue of having an exact set route to travel that they're very often on time in most places that use them.