Traffic Jams

Probably one ordeal all of us share during the course of our lifetime is having to contend with a traffic jam. Perhaps "endure" would be a better word. We are in a vehicle that is moving along at a fairly reasonable pace when suddenly that pace is reduced to a crawl or, even worse, a complete stop. We sit and we sit. We exchange glances with others in the vehicles around us. We flip the radio on and off. We sing. We talk to ourselves. None of those actions seem to help escalate the pace of traffic. We remain stuck with no apparent way out. Whatever patience we have been blessed with, is put to the test.

As frustrating as the traffic jam itself is, however, as much as anything it is not knowing the reasons for the slow-down that can be most exasperating. Is it construction? Has there been an accident? We sit and do not know why. The good news, at least on a number of major highways, is the existence of what are called "smart signs" designed to provide drivers with up-to-date information as to what is happening up-ahead. But these helpful signs do not exist on many of the non-major roads or thoroughfares. The result is a great deal of uncertainty and persons in cars feeling the level of frustration that comes from being in the dark.

This is one more example of why timely information is so key to our betterment and peace of mind. Yes, regional and state governments should invest in this kind of service to the general public. But more broadly than that is the vital role information itself plays in our lives. Reducing the unknown and increasing "the known" is an essential ingredient toward creating a more supportive and less anxious society. It is the communicator who needs to lead that charge either via their own initiative or by lobbying those in-charge to take the lead. This will not eliminate traffic jams and other us stressful moments in our lives, but it will certainly help us deal with them more easily.