You are traffic!

A satirical meme often shared online reads: "You are not stuck in traffic; you are traffic!" It often draws divergent reactions among city commuters, with many motorists flatly protesting. True, traffic congestion is caused by a lot of technical factors, mainly related to space, volume, and capacity. Policy, regulations and enforcement also add to it. But it can't be denied human behavior aggravates it considerably.

The main question confronting motorists is whether one drives for our own benefit or so that all will benefit. Many will insist, probably not publicly, that when we drive, we drive for ourselves - let the government take care of "everybody" else. But that's basically the attitude that worsens traffic. And these personal minute decisions make us reach our destinations much later.

The most prominent "bad" habit is changing lanes often. Why would a driver change lanes? - because he/she thinks it will make the trip faster. Consider this; whenever you change lane, you are blocking two lanes for a time, causing the entire traffic to slow down. You might think it's good for you, but it's bad for everybody else. Imagine if everybody else will do the same! You'll get home much later instead of earlier. You change lanes when you need/must, not because it might make you faster; keep to the lane where you are generally going; generally left when you're turning left and right when you're turning right. We shouldn't go on weaving left and right, this is a general formula for slowing down traffic (case in point: F. Vestil Street!).

There are still many who don't know that in multi-lane roads, the left (inner) lanes are for faster traffic while slower ones should stay on the right (outer) lanes. Or maybe they know, but decide not to observe this rule, unmindful of "everybody" else. Not only are you not following a driving rule, you are forcing another driver to violate rules by "overtaking right." Not just one driver but all those who grudgingly follow behind you on the fast lane. It seems "being considerate to other drivers" disappeared with GMRC too.

But I think one of the worst attitude of a driver is violating the "Keep Intersection Clear" rule. The yellow junction box is a shared road space for two (or more roads) and should be kept clear for the other to use when traffic lights change. When one is still there after the lights change, you block not one but an entire queue of vehicles from moving. Again, you might have saved a few seconds in your trip but you're delaying a whole lane of others. And the reason why you're delayed in the first place is because someone who thinks exactly like you, is blocking the next intersection where you're heading. Serves you right, right? If everyone keeps intersections clear, we all benefit!

The reason why the already congested traffic is worse than what it should be is because of the selfish driving decisions we make. So, the next time you're stuck in traffic, ask yourself; maybe you are causing traffic. You are traffic.