Traffic Problems in Metropolitan Areas

The purpose of.street traffic is to convey persons from where they are to where they want to be, and goods from where they are to where they are wanted. Time is an important factor because delays defeat this purpose in part. Safety is an even more important factor because accidents defeat the purpose entirely. In general, the traffic problems before all municipalities to-day relate to safeguarding the purpose of traffic by reducing the probability of congestion and accidents and by helping traffic to move expeditiously and safely. In metropolitan areas these problems are generally more serious than in smaller communities because the concentration of traffic is greater. Although these problems may be variously classified, they will be treated herein under six headings, some of which overlap to some degree. These headings are: (1) Helping traffic through danger spots; (2) protecting the person on foot; (3) stopping the increase in night accidents; (4) reducing traffic concentration; (5) keeping speeds safe for conditions; and (6) providing for loading and parking.