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  • Drive Smarter Now
  • Tools and Learning
    • Traffic Jargon
    • Traffic References
    • DriveSmartQuiz.com
    • Blog/Quiz Archive
    • About Me
  • Podcast Episodes
    • Episode 17
    • Episode 16
    • Episode 15
    • Episode 14
    • Episode 13
    • Ep 12 - Cruise Control
    • Ep 11 - Pedestrians
    • Ep 10 - Weather
    • Ep. 9 - Merging
    • Ep. 8 - Driving School
    • Ep. 7 - "DOTE" not DOGE
    • Ep. 6 - Lane Discipline
    • Ep. 5 - Brake Lights/Use
    • Ep. 4 - Speeding
    • Ep. 3 - Fwy Personalities
    • Ep. 2 - Phantom Jams
    • Ep. 1 - Smart Driving
  • More
    • Drive Smarter Now
    • Tools and Learning
      • Traffic Jargon
      • Traffic References
      • DriveSmartQuiz.com
      • Blog/Quiz Archive
      • About Me
    • Podcast Episodes
      • Episode 17
      • Episode 16
      • Episode 15
      • Episode 14
      • Episode 13
      • Ep 12 - Cruise Control
      • Ep 11 - Pedestrians
      • Ep 10 - Weather
      • Ep. 9 - Merging
      • Ep. 8 - Driving School
      • Ep. 7 - "DOTE" not DOGE
      • Ep. 6 - Lane Discipline
      • Ep. 5 - Brake Lights/Use
      • Ep. 4 - Speeding
      • Ep. 3 - Fwy Personalities
      • Ep. 2 - Phantom Jams
      • Ep. 1 - Smart Driving
  • Drive Smarter Now
  • Tools and Learning
    • Traffic Jargon
    • Traffic References
    • DriveSmartQuiz.com
    • Blog/Quiz Archive
    • About Me
  • Podcast Episodes
    • Episode 17
    • Episode 16
    • Episode 15
    • Episode 14
    • Episode 13
    • Ep 12 - Cruise Control
    • Ep 11 - Pedestrians
    • Ep 10 - Weather
    • Ep. 9 - Merging
    • Ep. 8 - Driving School
    • Ep. 7 - "DOTE" not DOGE
    • Ep. 6 - Lane Discipline
    • Ep. 5 - Brake Lights/Use
    • Ep. 4 - Speeding
    • Ep. 3 - Fwy Personalities
    • Ep. 2 - Phantom Jams
    • Ep. 1 - Smart Driving

Understanding Traffic

Phantom Traffic Jams

Freeway "Personalities"

Freeway "Personalities"

...or "traffic waves," occur when traffic suddenly slows down or stops for no obvious reason, only to clear up just as quickly. These jams are typically caused by small driving behaviors, such as sudden braking or lane changes, that ripple back through traffic. 

Freeway "Personalities"

Freeway "Personalities"

Freeway "Personalities"

Some freeways may have heavy traffic in one direction during rush hour, while others are known for frequent accidents or tricky merging situations. Freeway "personalities" refer to these unique traffic patterns, behaviors, and characteristics of different stretches of highway. 


Tip: Learn the quirks of the freeways you drive on regularly s

Some freeways may have heavy traffic in one direction during rush hour, while others are known for frequent accidents or tricky merging situations. Freeway "personalities" refer to these unique traffic patterns, behaviors, and characteristics of different stretches of highway. 


Tip: Learn the quirks of the freeways you drive on regularly so you can plan your route and adjust your driving style accordingly, and avoid last minute lane changes.

Constant Speed Driving

Freeway "Personalities"

Constant Speed Driving

...is the practice of maintaining a steady speed while driving as much as possible, which helps reduce unnecessary braking and lane changes. By keeping a constant speed, even on surface streets. you contribute to smoother traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Tip: Use cruise control, especially on highways, to help maintain

...is the practice of maintaining a steady speed while driving as much as possible, which helps reduce unnecessary braking and lane changes. By keeping a constant speed, even on surface streets. you contribute to smoother traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Tip: Use cruise control, especially on highways, to help maintain a steady speed and resist the temptation to speed up and slow down frequently.

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  • Traffic References
  • About Me
  • Ep. 9 - Merging
  • Ep. 8 - Driving School
  • Ep. 7 - "DOTE" not DOGE
  • Ep. 6 - Lane Discipline
  • Ep. 5 - Brake Lights/Use
  • Ep. 4 - Speeding
  • Ep. 3 - Fwy Personalities
  • Ep. 2 - Phantom Jams
  • Ep. 1 - Smart Driving