• Stamets@lemmy.world
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    21 hours ago

    Only ever have to ask, my friend

    Heres an overview shot of a traffic pulse.

    One person brakes for no reason which leads to everyone else braking. The pulse travels despite there being nothing there. The longer it can take for someone to start up again also can delay the whole thing.

    • Lemminary@lemmy.world
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      18 hours ago

      Iirc, the answer is to have someone drive slowly and let other cars pass. It creates a buffer zone that regulates the flow back to normal pace. Or at least that’s what I remember from New Scientist’s video from like a decade ago.

      • untorquer@lemmy.world
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        17 hours ago

        I used to just idle when traffic moved. Slowed down way before i was even close to the car ahead. Played a game where i was trying to move at a constant speed or max fuel econ. Much less stressful to always be moving than gas/brake every 10s, even if you’re moving 5mph.

        Really helps to look 3-4 cars ahead for brake lights.