We always take the 650 mile trip to Gainesville, Florida in 2 days which makes it a leisurely drive. Today, the Saturday before Christmas, we were glad to have given ourselves that extra time. It must be a sign of an improving economy, or the luxury of a gas price below $3 a gallon, but the road was packed and so was the gas station where we stopped in South Carolina. What was worse was the crazy inexplicable pace of traffic that would drive at 35 mph then suddenly put on the brakes before picking up speed for a few minutes until the whole cycle began again. Our day's drive was stretched by almost 2 hours. I hope tomorrow everyone (else) will already have reached their destination and we get to our son's without incident.
Ah! Sounds like you were victims of the dreaded compression wave traffic phenomenon. The fast - slow traffic wave effect is caused by breaking in certain traffic conditions when the traffic density is just higher than the design capacity of the road. There, more than you really wanted to know about traffic in a few sentences. You can find out more here: http://amasci.com/amateur/traffic/traffic1.html
Cool picture, I like the way the shot looks down between the cars. fun.
@netkonnexion Thank you so much! John and I knew there was a name for this but neither could recall it. Now I will read up on it and sound very erudite.
@netkonnexion Thanks -- now I know why the traffic tie-ups are inexplicable. No road construction, no accident, no bad weather -- it's the dreaded compression wave traffic phenomenon!
Oh yes, I remember those days back in the 70s traveling from FL to Ohio on I-75 to visit my parents....they eventually retired to Florida. Even then it was a super busy time. Glad you had good weather.
I don't think the economy is improving just yet, but I do know that heavy traffic does add time on to any trip. Just trying to avoid other drivers who aren't paying attention takes time! Glad to see you made it to FL. safely though in spite of those traffic waves! Fun shot!
December 26th, 2012
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Cool picture, I like the way the shot looks down between the cars. fun.