@daily.network.new — 138x breakout

Loading video…

This experiment revealed why traffic jams don't happen for no reason

@daily.network.new

106.1K followers · usually 85.9K views a post

Views

1.0M

Likes

12.4K

Comments

199

610

Why it worked

The video explains a common phenomenon (traffic jams) with a clear visual demonstration and a concise explanation, making it easily understandable and shareable.

Summary

The video shows an experiment where cars driving in a circle eventually cause a traffic jam due to small braking mistakes that create a chain reaction. This demonstrates how phantom traffic jams can occur without any apparent external cause.

Structure

1Cars driving in a circle
2Small braking mistakes occur
3Chain reaction of braking
4Traffic jam forms
5Explanation of phantom traffic jams

On-screen text

This experiment revealed why traffic jams don't happen for no reason Many traffic jams are caused without any accident, roadworks, or lane closures. These are known as phantom traffic jams, and they occur when a small change in speed creates a chain reaction through the vehicles behind. In a famous experiment, researchers had drivers travel around a circular track at a constant speed. Despite the simple instructions, tiny braking mistakes gradually spread backward like a wave until traffic came to a complete stop. The study demonstrated how even minor fluctuation

Original caption

Many traffic jams are caused without any accident, roadworks, or lane closures. These are known as phantom traffic jams, and they occur when a small change in speed creates a chain reaction through the vehicles behind. In a famous experiment, researchers had drivers travel around a circular track at a constant speed. Despite the simple instructions, tiny braking mistakes gradually spread backward like a wave until traffic came to a complete stop. The study demonstrated how even minor fluctuations in driving behavio can amplify into major congestion, highlighting why maintaining a steady speed and safe following distance helps improve traffic flow.