Warn motorists of jams earlier
DURING festive seasons, it is common to hear of motorists being caught in frustratingly long traffic jams on the highways.The cause could be a minor or major accident or some natural incident, like falling rocks or floods.
The authorities concerned are quick to arrive at the scene and do the necessary so that the traffic can flow again.
However, the nature of some mishaps may require a much longer time to clear the way.
That is when queues build up. The very hot or very wet weather conditions will see tempers rising and impatience, with some drivers doing “silly” things like reckless lane cutting.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, I had the unpleasant experience of being caught in an hour-long traffic jam that stretched some 10km from the Senawang-Seremban junction of the North-South Expressway.
Is there a way to prevent such a queue from building up?
We have infrequent radio broadcasts that warn of bad traffic conditions on a highway.
This helps only if the drivers are listening to the radio channel. Also, the message must reach them before they are stuck in the jam.
The highway authority has put up some electronic signboards with messages on traffic conditions.
This is certainly a better “messenger.” But, many more such signboards are needed at more strategic locations.
I propose that an electronic board be put up just before every main exit junction of the highway. This way, a warning of congestion ahead can help a motorist decide whether to get out at the next exit or to continue on.
If he decides to take another route, he can get back onto the highway through an inlet after the accident area. This way, a queue build-up can be prevented.
The cost of setting up electronic boards and getting the messages across may have to be matched against its benefits.
To reduce costs, perhaps a special RTM TV channel can be used.
It will be like sending a TV signal using existing transmission facilities.
The toll houses at the highway exits receive the signalled message on their TV sets and project them onto the linked electronic boards.
Motorists will be forewarned so they can avoid the jam. Much time can be saved and much frustration on the road can be avoided.
No action taken. My previous post on 15 Dec 2010: http://malaysiarealitybites.blogspot.com/search/label/Complain
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