Shockwave Traffic Theory

This article describes the benefits of shockwave traffic theory and how researchers are modeling this theory and attempting to fix traffic problems using Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). As opposed to mathematical and economic theories of traffic, shockwave traffic theory interprets the cause of traffic jams as a change in the synchronized flow of traffic caused by events such as a driver braking or switching lanes and causing someone else to brake. This then leads to a ripple effect of braking that causes the jam. Traffic models try to take into account the actions of drivers that lead to traffic jams; however, it is a very difficult task as there is such variability in behavior. The author notes the work of researchers at the University of Duisburg-Essen as being quite successful with their models, which they supply online to give drivers information about traffic conditions in Cologne, Germany. Using the information from these models, ITS can be implemented to reduce traffic levels. The author also discusses wireless communications, determining locations of vehicles based on cell phone data, sensing technologies using microchips, and video and radar vehicle detection as useful ITS solutions for traffic.