The Hidden Cause of Traffic Jams—and How to Solve Them
Self-driving vehicles might be the solution for “phantom” traffic jams.
By Ana Aceves and Emily Zendt
Some traffic jams seem to happen out of nowhere— when it’s not rush hour, there’s no construction, and no accidents. These phantom traffic jams, are generally caused by drivers tapping the brakes on and off. Could autonomous vehicles eliminate them, and make our roads safer?
