Traffic

Every year, billions of hours are lost because of traffic in America. But how — and why — are those hours spent? First, we have to understand what traffic really is. The word traffic is derived from the Vulgar Latin word, meaning rubbing across, expressing the movement of cargo and goods. However, the English word means the movement of vehicles traveling a route or path, not the traffic most people think of. There are many routes that people commute to, and part of that is heavily influenced by the way America was built. In America, builders chose long, wide, dangerous roads, especially in suburbs. In suburbs, instead of being connected, they are apart, with housing on one side and shopping on the other. This causes longer commute times, funneled traffic, and more hours spent in traffic. In a study in 2010, it was found that denser cities will have smaller commutes, even though there are more cars in each commute.

The evolution of traffic

In 1886, the first car was made and patented. Then, in 1913, Henry Ford manufactured it for widespread use. During World War II, America increased its production of automobiles due to the nation's wartime needs. Postwar, new safety regulations were implemented to protect the environment and drivers. Roads became the main mode of in-city transportation. Then, by 1980, 87.2% of American households had at least one car. Cars were talking over America, so the infrastructure was made accordingly, with more roads being made.

Glossary

Word — Definition

Interchange—a road junction designed on several levels so that traffic streams do not intersect.

Slip Roads—a short road used to join or leave a major road, like a freeway or highway, without direct entry or exiting the main traffic.

Offramp—a one-way road leading off the main highway.