Final answer:
The question revolves around road safety and traffic management in busy urban areas, highlighting the importance of understanding vehicle speed limits and the role of traffic signals. It also references how studies and the need for smoother traffic flow have contributed to the expansion of the highway system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject being discussed pertains to road safety and traffic management in areas with a high volume of vehicles and various hazards. In places like New York, drivers and walkers navigate through complex networks of roads and sidewalks, often facing challenges such as intersections crowded with vehicles that may not adhere to the speed limits. A speed limit of 60 km/hr (approximately 35 mph) is typical for urban environments; however, due to factors like road construction, new local businesses, and changes in traffic flow due to events, the traffic conditions can vary significantly.
To ensure safety, it's crucial for pedestrians to judge the speed and distance of oncoming cars accurately; to cross safely, one should be able to walk at least 2 meters further than the width of a vehicle before it reaches them. Moreover, traffic signals play a vital role in regulating vehicle speed, especially in areas with increased traffic from nearby developments like manufacturing plants and colleges.
Studies, such as the one conducted by Texas A&M, leverage cost-benefit analysis and models like the Speed-choice model to understand the dynamics of highway use and to make informed decisions about highway improvements to mitigate accidents. As the number of vehicles on the road has increased, so has the complexity of traffic management, leading to the expansion of the interstate highway system.