Traffic
Why We Drive the Way We Do and What It Says About Us
Ratings18
Average rating3.7
Based on exhaustive research and interviews with driving experts and traffic officials around the globe, Traffic gets under the hood of the everyday activity of driving to uncover the surprisingly complex web of physical, psychological, and technical factors that explain how traffic works, why we drive the way we do, and what our driving says about us. Vanderbilt examines the perceptual limits and cognitive underpinnings that make us worse drivers than we think we are. He demonstrates why plans to protect pedestrians from cars often lead to more accidents. He shows how roundabouts, which can feel dangerous and chaotic, actually make roads safer--and reduce traffic in the bargain. He uncovers who is more likely to honk at whom, and why. He explains why traffic jams form, outlines the unintended consequences of our quest for safety, and even identifies the most common mistake drivers make in parking lots.--From publisher description.
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I came to this book already holding fast to some counterintuitive understandings about traffic (roundabouts are great, widening highways doesn't usually relieve congestion, late merging is optimal, cyclists are safer in the lane, etc.). I also already knew that humans aren't really capable of optimally safe driving, and we'll all be better off when human drivers are removed from the equation.
That said, I still came away from each chapter with new, fascinating information about the complexity and emergent phenomena of traffic. I wish this book were required reading for local officials in charge of road planning. I even wish it were part of the test for anyone trying to obtain or renew a driver's license.
And, throughout the book, reason after reason why we all need to remember to slow down, be patient, and maintain constant vigilance for obstacles (especially cyclists and pedestrians).
5 stars for content; 3 for writing.
What happens to your personality when you get behind the steering wheel of a car? This book explains the emotional state of humans while driving. It's probably a fun book to play on audible while driving across the country. I decided to read this book after listening to a podcast by Malcolm Gladwell called Blame Game.
http://revisionisthistory.com/episodes/08-blame-game
Interesting analysis of trafic, roads, safety, etc. Made me rethink a number of opinions about traffic, driving, and even being a pedestrian.
