I figure this is about the best place for this post.

After being delayed in a traffic jam on a major highway caused by an accident in the other direction, I figured it was time I revisited an old idea of mine. What if we put up "privacy" walls between directions on highways within cities so we couldn't see the other direction? This would only be on highways in urban/suburban areas. We couldn't do it on roads where you can turn off and on. I figure it will keep traffic northbound going better when there is a wreck southbound and so forth. There are already walls up on most of these roads to separate the directions, so why not make them a little higher? It's like putting blinders on a horse. It's not a perfect solution, but I'm certain it would have prevented the jam I was in yesterday.

 

That's a good idea. I've seen similar walls used for sound deadening on highways in residential areas.

Of course it will never happen, and you know why: $.

 

Definently interesting. Might lobby locally.

 

They have those at some construction sites...but they dont really work

 

They have something like them on some parts of the PA Turnpike. Green plastic strips about 2 feet high the stick out of the Jersey Barrier in the middle. Reduces much of the forward view of oncoming traffic, although you can see directly to your side. However, flashing lights still show up and will cause drivers to slow.

 

Coming home from Ohio last week I was stuck in a jam that added an hour to my 6 hour drive. There were Wreckers driving on the shoulder passing us as well as Department of Transportation trucks, so I figured there was something shady on my side of the road. Wrong. Jacknifed semi on the other side of the road. 4 lane express way, huge median in the middle, and people still felt the need to slow down and stare. I find it strange that people want to see others getting loaded on to stretchers on their way to the hospital.

Craig

 

People would be better off ignoring what is on the other side of the highway or street in order to avoid making bad traffic worse. Curiosity gets the best of some. :evil:

 

>>People would be better off ignoring what is on the other side of the highway or street in order to avoid making bad traffic worse. Curiosity gets the best of some. :evil:

I'm with you there. You'd think we'd be evolved enough to repress that instinct. I've seen massive back ups for a guy changing a flat who is on the far shoulder of the other direction.

 

People are curious by nature....
Rubbernecking is a part of driving...... unfortunately.
People are drawn to a disaster... it's the premise of all news broadcasts.

Peace,
D