The M25 in miniature

[jefmcg]

Apparently the drivers were told to keep a constant speed. In less than a minute, there are traffic jams.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wm-pZp_mi0

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Driverless cars would sort that

 

[Beebo]

Very similar to watching a Grand Prix. Only with slightly more overtaking.

 

[srw]

Based on the old adage "only a fool breaks the 2-second rule" I reckon that road is between two and three times over-crowded. I wonder what would have happened if the drivers had been told to drive at a constant speed that was two or three times slower.

 

[srw]

I don't actually see a jam. Some ripple effect but no jams as such...

Scale the model up to the size of the M25 and your ripple effect is an hour-long delay between junctions 10 and 15.

There are cars which stop. Only the small size of the circuit means that they're running again very quickly.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Car-less drivers would be even better.

We can but dream Sir Rocky

 

[DaveReading]

I often marvel, when travelling in a stream of traffic moving at a constant speed, at how some drivers seem incapable of doing that without having to brake every few seconds.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I often marvel, when travelling in a stream of traffic moving at a constant speed, at how some drivers seem incapable of doing that without having to brake every few seconds.

Usually because they're sat on the bumper of the car in front

 

[Beebo]

[QUOTE 4910410, member: 76"]What a strange little experiment. Unless they started at the same distance apart, accelerated at exactly the same rate and kept exactly the same speed when running, then cars are going to have to slow down and speed up. Completely pointless experiment which shows completely nothing.

This is a better example of how to conduct an experiment like that, no traffic jams in this one.......

[/QUOTE]
I would like to see beyond the the end of that BBC logo. The bikes are all heading into the middle of the circle with no way out. My guess is that 5 seconds later it all came to a massive crash.

 

[gavroche]

That's the beauty of cruise control. Set it to the desired speed and let it go. I use mine all the time.

 

[Levo-Lon]

Usually because they're sat on the bumper of the car in front

That and poor eyesight..
Eye test for drivers should be compulsory every 2 years regardless of age

 

[srw]

That's the beauty of cruise control. Set it to the desired speed and let it go. I use mine all the time.

I don't suppose it's accurate enough to avoid the situation in the OP.

 

[swansonj]

[QUOTE 4910410, member: 76"] ...Completely pointless experiment which shows completely nothing.
...
[/QUOTE]
Is it just possible that you do not have a true vocation as an experimental scientist?

 

[Levo-Lon]

I reccomend watching the traffic from the top of the Arch de triumph ..its fascinating

 

[Electric_Andy]

That's the beauty of cruise control. Set it to the desired speed and let it go. I use mine all the time.

I try to use cruise control, and it does make you realise how many drivers alter their speed. I find I'm always having to brake and then speed up, unless of course i get bored and accelerate away in the overtaking lane. Approaching a hill, drivers often slow down as they don't want to use more fuel my accelerating up the hill.