Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Mathematicians Solve the Mystery of Traffic Jams

Posted by Zonk on from the next-they'll-use-geometry-on-the-mystery-of-the-haunted-amusement-park dept.

mlimber writes "Do you ever find yourself in a traffic jam, thinking, 'Man, there must be a bad accident up ahead,' but as you plod along you see no evidence of any crash? Some mathematicians have solved the mystery by developing a mathematical model that shows how one driver hitting the brakes a little too hard can cascade into a backup miles behind. The mathematicians' future research will investigate how automatic braking systems may alleviate the problem."

6 of 629 comments (clear)

  1. Small miscalculation by TJ_Phazerhacki · · Score: 4, Funny

    Sure. But what they forgot to include was the variable of EVERYONE IN THE OTHER LANE STOPPING TO WATCH.

    --
    Physics is nothing like religion. If it was, we'd have an easier time trying to raise money!
  2. Einstein by imstanny · · Score: 3, Funny
    "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity" - Einstein

    ...and he was only sure about the latter.

  3. next by kurtis25 · · Score: 4, Funny

    maybe mathematicians can solve why old news appears on slashdot.

  4. Re:Not suprised by dkleinsc · · Score: 4, Funny

    I've actually gotten pretty good and figuring which jams are accident related and those that are just people being retarded.

    Most accidents are also due to people being retarded.

    --
    I am officially gone from /. Long live http://www.soylentnews.com/
  5. XKCD by RobBebop · · Score: 3, Funny

    Disgruntled traffic engineers cause traffic jams!

    :)

    --
    Support the 30 Hour Work Week!!!
  6. Obligatory Simpsons by LM741N · · Score: 4, Funny

    The episode where the town charter declares the smartest people to be in charge in the absensce of Mayor Quimby.

    Lenny comes up with the best idea. Traffic lights only have red and yellow, no green. Traffic is speeded up immensely.