We create many problems that could easily be solved. Those
few in positions of power affect many.
A good example is our interstate highways. I travel a good
many miles of interstate nationwide and find the same problems
prevail everywhere. Interstate systems are supposed to allow
travelers to go through states and cities without delays. This
is a misnomer of epic proportions during hours when workers
are heading to and from their places of employment. Those of
us who live in rural areas such as Huron, Tuscola and Sanilac
counties, seldom see a traffic jam unless a major accident
occurs. We spend perhaps as little as 1 percent of our time
tied up waiting in traffic. There are a few areas where detours
or lane restrictions may cause slow downs, but seldom any nail-biting
events. As we travel around our area, we have the beauty of
our lakes, rivers, trees and farm fields to appreciate, which
keeps us calm and provides enjoyment if delays are encountered.
A
person living in Huron County but working in the city, let’s
say Warren, can make it to work in half the time it takes
a worker living on the other side of Warren. Traffic is
simply horrific and by the time workers arrive on the job
they are
a nervous wreck. How does this affect their job performance?
As I see it, there has to be an answer to how traffic can be
controlled that will benefit all who use the major highways
and interstates.
I’ve
written about this topic before but as I observe, it is getting
much worse. Many workers that put in an
eight-hour day in a metropolitan area, no matter what
state, spend
an additional three to four hours travel time. Although
highways
are continuously being enlarged (some in Miami are
eight lanes), the gridlock continues unabated.
If
a fender-bender occurs, it can back traffic up for many miles
adding additional hours of travel to a worker’s
commute. These mini-accidents happen daily on most
major highways thus an eight-hour work day can turn
into 12
if a driver encounters
one. The engineers and road designers, who draw very
large paychecks, are on the wrong track in correcting
the traffic
congestion.
Look around while traveling on a jammed-up interstate. If you
have a passenger, have them make notes. The number of cars
with more than one passenger should be noted. People reading
books, newspapers, IPads and IPhones are other things to note.
Another note would be those actually texting and one more for
those talking (usually the driver), on their cell phones. Ladies
love to put their makeup on while commuting to save time, so
note that. A special note could be made of those vehicles with
music blasting that are cutting in and out of lanes without
signaling with utter disregard for the problems they cause.
Highway
use has to change if we are all going to continue to travel.
In one area I pass through
often, four lanes
were always
jammed during rush hours so they added two additional
lanes. The result — traffic was able to speed up and lane jumpers
had twice as much room to carry on. When cars in the left lane
wanted to exit to the right – you guessed
it, more fender benders and greater backups than
before
the added
lanes.
States that have established toll roads have better conditions
on their highways. In the past, traffic had to slow to pay
the tolls. An electronic sender that charged the drivers account
and maintained a balance they could add to soon allowed vehicles
with a device on their windshield to slow to only 40 mph as
they passed through.
The next upgrade was to eliminate the toll booths altogether
and have drivers use a prepaid account or receive a bill at
the registered address of the vehicle. This system truly allows
traffic to maintain speed while providing a discount to drivers
who have an account. Postings at entry points announce the
rules and it is all controlled by photo equipment (much like
the red light devices).
I believe I have an idea that could help make the major highways
and interstates safer and better controlled. Why not use the
same type of photo system and charge fees to all cars traveling
with only one passenger? Set up car pooling lots where drivers
could meet and safely leave their vehicles. Of course, there
would be some who would set up dummies to look like passengers,
trying to fool the cameras. If the penalties were costly enough
however, they would soon find a real rider. The system could
target lane jumpers and send large fines to them making all
of us on the road safer.
Even if car poolers did not work in the same building, a walk
would add to their good health. The air would be cleaner and
with less traffic we could reduce our dependence on fossil
fuels. If this method of traffic control were set up with high-priced
fines for violators and strict enforcement, it could work.
Our need to expand our roads would diminish, the highway designers
could take a leave (saving money), and accidents would be reduced
(saving lives). Fines collected could go into maintenance accounts
to keep our current roads in top condition.
If such a system were set up, even in a limited way, to only
operate on work days during rush hour peaks, it would help.
If drivers traded days of driving all drivers would suffer
less anxiety and stress. Once workers got home (much earlier),
they would be in a better mood and have time to relax.