Collisions+Due+To+Heavy+Traffic+by+Andre+Serrano

**Collisions Due to Heavy Traffic**
People think that if they speed up they can get through an intersection during a yellow light. This hazard is magnified during the holidays and rush hour when people are in a hurry. However, from kinematic principles and given the following information, we can calculate if a car can make it through a yellow light without crashing into the back of the car in front of it.
 * Description of Hazard**

We can use kinematics by using velocity and displacement to find the time of the crash**.**
 * How the Kinematics Relate to This Hazard**

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 * Statistics or news article related to this hazard**

This article shows how this is an issue. Especially during the holidays, when people are in a hurry to visit their family. They are more likely to speed up to go through a red light instead of slowing down.

It’s 5 O’ clock. Kevin Palmer is just getting off from a very tiring day of work at his law firm located in center city Philadelphia. He is driving down Harrington Road at 15 miles per hour. The car in front of him is about .1 miles ahead and is also going 15 miles per. The light turns yellow and the car in front of Kevin goes through. Kevin is tired and doesn’t feel like waiting at a red light. So in order to make the light he speeds up to A. 25 mph, B. 30 mph, and C. 35 mph, which is A. 10 mph, B. 15 mph, and C. 20 mph faster than the car in front of him. If the clock starts when the light turns yellow, how long will it be until Kevin crashes into the back of the car in front of him?
 * Example Scenario**

.1=10mph(t) t=.01h .1=15mph(t) t=.006h .1=20mph(t) t=.005h
 * Calculations**

How would these results be different if Kevin was a different distance away? This is how long it would take if Kevin were 4 seconds away.

.05=10mph(t) t=.0005h .05=15mph(t) t=.003h .05=20mph(t) t=.0025h

And 6 seconds away? .006=10mph(t) t=.0006h .006=15mph(t) t=.0004h .006=20mph(t) t=.0003h

These calculations prove that if people have a better understanding of kinematics, then they will will be more cautious on the road, and they will not rush as much which will result in fewer collisions.
 * Conclusion**