Final answer:
Ramp meters are implemented during heavy traffic periods to mitigate traffic jams by controlling the flow of vehicles entering highways, leading to smoother and safer traffic conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ramp meters are used during periods of heavy traffic to reduce traffic jams. These meters, often seen at freeway on-ramps, regulate the flow of vehicles entering a highway by maintaining a steady pace, allowing for better merging. Ramp metering is a critical part of traffic management in urban areas where rush hour traffic creates significant congestion.
In places like Washington, D.C., and Delhi, traffic congestion not only leads to long delays but also increases air pollution and fuel consumption. During such heavy traffic periods, ramp meters play an essential role in reducing the number of vehicles entering the freeway at once, thereby easing the bottleneck effect and decreasing stop-and-go traffic conditions.
By smoothing the flow of incoming traffic, ramp meters promote safer driving conditions, as vehicles are less likely to speed through a metered on-ramp than an unrestricted one. This helps maintain safety and reduce collisions caused by merging and adjusting to traffic. Therefore, ramp meters are a logical solution in mitigating the negative impacts of rush hour traffic.