Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestylePhantom traffic jams, which have no obvious cause, arise from small, cumulative braking and reaction time differences that amplify backwards through vehicle queues. Applied mathematics demonstrates that there is an optimal traffic density; exceeding this point reduces overall traffic flow and increases journey times for all drivers. Aggressive driving and frequent lane changes create disturbances that accumulate, worsening traffic conditions and increasing the likelihood of stop-start waves for everyone. Research indicates that even a small number of smoothly operating autonomous vehicles can significantly reduce these stop-start waves, improving overall traffic flow and fuel efficiency. Mathematics offers insights into preventing congestion by promoting smoother driving, consistent speeds, and coordinated decision-making within traffic systems, rather than just reacting to existing jams. In fullStuck in a traffic jam? Here’s the fastest way to get to your destinationMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Applied mathematics shows the fastest way to your destination isn’t to drive more aggressively

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