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From: an@hou2h.UUCP (A.NGUYEN)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Eliminate traffic congestion
Message-ID: <510@hou2h.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 29-Jun-84 12:44:15 EDT
Article-I.D.: hou2h.510
Posted: Fri Jun 29 12:44:15 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 1-Jul-84 05:42:30 EDT
References: <2349@hplabsb.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 44

> From: hodor@hplabsb.UUCP (Ken Hodor)
> The second part of [my] proposal involves the use of electronic
> position detectors [which] would allow all cars to be about 1 car
> length apart no matter what the speed ...  The electronic control
> would .. put a maximum limit on the speed based on the traffic flow.

Nice try Hodor, but I have to oppose that just on principles!  The
logical extension of your idea would be electro-mechanically guided
vehicles, probably running on some kind of track.  You get in, punch
in where you wanna go, and sit back and listen to the "Clockwork
Orange" soundtrack.  We already have that -- it's called a TRAIN.

What's next?  Electronic regulators on your toilet tissue dispenser
so you can't use anymore than 4 squares at a time?!  Oh you have
diarrhea?  Tough sh*t!

> With electronic position detectors in cars the current highway system
> would be able to support more than 3 times the [present] amount of
> traffic ...  I believe this could be done for much less than anything
> that would try to improve our highway system through more construction.

I don't think you have a firm grasp of the problem.  Congestion
occurs because of the sheer volume of traffic *AND* the diverse
speed, skill, and tact of all those drivers.

On some roads, you can raise the speed limit to 100 mph and gain
nothing but instant carnage.  Take any highway thru NYC, LI, or
Hartford, CT.  Right exit, left exit, center exit.  Exits every
three feet!  The answer there *IS* most definitely *MORE* roads.

(And better roads, too.  Damn these signs that are located 2 feet
from the exit.  And yes, damn those left exits!)

Furthermore, even if you raise the speed limit, there will still be
people who drive way below the limit.  People who are not sure where
they are going.  Out of towners.  Heavy trucks.  The only way for all
these people to fit on the same road and not kill the flow is to have
everyone strictly disciplined on the rules of the road.  Keep right
pass left.  Check blind spots.  Signal.

CONCLUSION:  MORE ROADS,  AND BETTER DRIVERS!

	Au