The junction of word traffic

̈ɪkləus I
1. сущ.
1) а) огороженное место б) брит. огороженное поле( в центральных районах Англии) в) (Close) название школьной площадки (в некоторых школах)
2) а) территория вокруг или около здания( обыкн. закрытая, огороженная другими постройками) ;
двор б) преим. брит. территория, прилегающая к собору;
иногда соборное духовенство
3) а) преим. брит. проход, ведущий с улицы во двор к лестнице многоквартирного дома б) тупик (часто в названиях улиц-тупиков) Longwood Close ≈ тупик Лонгвуд Syn: cul-de-sac
2. прил.
1) а) закрытый I’ve brought a close carriage for him. ≈ Я достал ему закрытую коляску. Syn: closed, shut
2. б) фон. закрытый (гласный) в) закрытый (для доступа широкой публики, для охоты)
2) замкнутый;
ограниченный, узкий The space contained close alleys and open walks. ≈ Пространство включало узкие аллеи и открытые места для прогулок. Syn: confined, narrow
1.
3) заключенный( в тюрьму и т. п.), строго охраняемый;
строгий( о тюремном или подобном заключении) Captain is in close arrest. ≈ Капитан находится под строгим арестом.
4) скрытый, секретный, тайный;
уединенный, скрытый от глаз to keep a thing close ≈ держать что-л. в секрете to keep close, lie close ≈ прятаться Syn: concealed, occult
1., secret
2., hidden;
secluded
5) душный, удушливый, спертый The air in this room is very close. ≈ В этой комнате очень спертый воздух. Syn: stuffy, suffocating, stagnant, unventilated;
muggy, humid, stifling
6) скрытный, замкнутый, сдержанный, молчаливый He was too close to name his circumstances to me. ≈ Он был слишком замкнутым человеком, чтобы рассказать мне о своих обстоятельствах. to keep oneself close ≈ держаться замкнуто Syn: reserved, reticent, uncommunicative
7) скупой, скаредный He’s as close with his money as Scrooge. ≈ Он такой же скупой, как Скрудж. Syn: stingy, miserly, tight
1., tight-fisted, close-fisted, penurious, parsimonious, niggardly
1., penny-pinching, ungenerous, grudging
плотный;
компактный;
густой;
сжатый, убористый( о почерке, стиле) Living in such close quarters makes privacy difficult. ≈ Проживание в такой густонаселенной квартире мешает личной жизни. The fabric was of a close weave. ≈ Это была плотная ткань. close print ≈ убористая печать Syn: congested, crowded, teeming, populous;
tight
1., cramped, confined, narrow
1., compressed;
dense, compact II
1., solid
1., impenetrable, impermeable
9) а) близкий (о времени и месте) ;
близко расположенный The house is close to the park. ≈ Дом расположен рядом с парком. The migration of the ducks southward showed that winter was close. ≈ Перелет уток на юг показывает, что зима на носу. close column ≈ сомкнутая колонна to get to close quarters ≈ сблизиться, подойти на близкую дистанцию close attack ≈ наступление с ближней дистанции close defence ≈ непосредственное охранение Syn: near
1., neighbouring, approximate
1., imminent, impending>, forthcoming
2., nigh
1. б) кино крупный (план)
10) плотно облегающий;
хорошо пригнанный( об одежде) Syn: close-fitting
11) близкий, интимный;
неразлучный close friend ≈ близкий друг The two brothers are very close. ≈ Два брата очень близки. Syn: attached, friendly
1.,intimate I
2., familiar
1., loving, devoted;
inseparable
12) близкий, схожий;
почти равный( о соревновании, шансах на победу) The color is close to what I want, but the style is wrong. ≈ Цвет очень близок к тому, что я хочу, но фасон мне не нравится. The resemblance is very close and very strange. ≈ Сходство очень сильное и очень странное. close translation ≈ очень близкий перевод It was a close race. ≈ Это были почти равные скачки. Syn: near
1., similar, akin, almost like, almost alike, much the same as, resembling;
well-matched, nearly even, nearly equal
13) внимательный;
тщательный;
подробный Keep a close watch on the children. ≈ Внимательно следите за детьми. close reading ≈ внимательное, медленное чтение close investigation ≈ подробное обследование Syn: intense, intent
2., watchful, careful, attentive, vigilant, keen I, thorough
1., strict, minute III, searching
14) короткий;
коротко постриженный A straight razor gives a close shave. ≈ Прямая бритва бреет очень гладко. a close haircut ≈ короткая стрижка Syn: near to the skin, smooth
1., trim
2., neat I, short
1. ∙ by a close shave
3. нареч.
1) близко, рядом, около;
рядом с (чем-л./кем-л. — to, on, upon, about, beside, behind, below, in и т. д.) to follow close behind the man ≈ следовать непосредственно за этим человеком to stand close against the wall ≈ стоять около стены to come closer together ≈ подойти ближе друг к другу Come close so I can see you. ≈ Подойди и стань рядом, чтобы я мог тебя увидеть. We were close to when it happened. ≈ Мы были рядом, когда это случилось. close at hand Syn: near
2., nearby
2., near at hand, thereabout, in proximity
2) почти He ran me very close. ≈ Он почти догнал меня. close on Syn: almost, nearly
3) коротко (о стрижке волос, о подстриженной траве) to cut one’s hair close ≈ коротко постричься close cropped ≈ коротко остриженный II
1. сущ.
1) завершение, заключение, конец, окончание at the close of the day ≈ в конце дня towards the close of the 19th century ≈ к концу 19 века The day had reached its close. ≈ День подошел к концу. The crowd began to leave before the close of the game. ≈ Народ начал уходить перед окончанием игры. bring to a close ≈ довести до конца, завершить, закончить Syn: end 1, finish
1., conclusion, termination, wind-up I, completion;
closing
1., ending
1., finale
2) муз. каденция;
каданс
3) объединение, соединение the close of earth and sky ≈ объединение земли и неба Syn: union, junction
4) архаич. столкновение;
борьба Syn: grapple
1., struggle
1., encounter
1.
2. гл.
1) а) закрывать Close the door tightly. ≈ Закрой плотно дверь. to close the eyes ≈ закрыть глаза б) закрываться Many flowers open in the morning and close at night. ≈ Многие цветы утром распускаются, а вечером закрываются. ∙ Syn: shut
1., secure
2.
2) затыкать, заделывать;
забивать, заполнять The handyman closed the hole in the wall with plaster. ≈ Рабочий заделал дыру в стене штукатуркой. Syn: close up, stop up, stop
2., fill
1., stuff, clog, plug
3) ограничивать;
препятствовать, блокировать;
запирать;
заключать( куда-л., во что-л.) The stableboy closed the horse in the stall. ≈ Помощник конюха закрыл лошадь в стойле. Syn: shut in, shut up, confine
2., pen in, enclose, pen II
2., coop up, blockade
2., block
2., obstruct, seal off
4) а) кончать, заканчивать to close a discussion ≈ прекратить обсуждение The pianist closed the concert with a Gershwin medley. ≈ Пианист завершил концерт исполнением попурри из Гершвина. б) прекращаться, заканчиваться Schools closed for the Christmas holiday. ≈ Школы закрылись на Рождественские каникулы. ∙ Syn: end
2., finish
2., conclude, terminate, stop
2., halt I
2., cease
1., wind up;
adjourn, recess
2., suspend, discontinue, leave off, break off, shut down в) бирж. завершиться каким-л. курсом (о торгах на бирже)
5) а) соединять, объединять The surgeon closed the two edges of the incision with surgical thread. ≈ Хирург соединил края разреза хирургической ниткой. Syn: join
1., link
2., connect, couple
2., unite б) электр. замыкать (цепь) Syn: fuse I
2.
6) а) подходить близко;
сближаться вплотную The soldiers closed ranks. ≈ Солдаты сдвинули ряды. The men closed round him. ≈ Люди столпились вокруг него. б) войти в ближний бой, схватиться в рукопашной;
войти в соприкосновение( с противником) ∙ close about close down close in close in on close off close out close round close up close upon close with be closed with
огороженное стеной место (около дома или деревни) — breaking smb.’s * нарушение границы чужого земельного участка соборная площадь, площадь вокруг собора;
территория, обыкн. огороженная (включает постройки, сад) площадка для игр( при школе) (шотландское) ход со двора, проход к лестнице многоквартирного дома тупик (улица) закрытый — * carriage закрытый экипаж — * vowel (фонетика) закрытый гласный закрытый;
ограниченный;
замкнутый — * season время, когда охота запрещена;
охотничий сезон закрыт — * terrain (топография) закрытая местность — * competition закрытый конкурс замкнутый, уединенный — to keep oneself * держаться замкнуто;
жить уединенно тайный, скрытый — * intent тайное намерение — to lie * прятаться — to keep smth. * держать в секрете, скрывать — to say smth. in *st confidence сказать строго конфиденциально скрытный, сдержанный( о человеке) — he was too * about his past life он скрывал свое прошлое строго охраняемый — * arrest строгий арест — * cell особо охраняемая тюремная камера — to keep in * confinement содержать в строгом заключении — as * as an oyster умеет держать язык за зубами закрывать — to * a door закрыть дверь — this road is *d to heavy motor traffic для грузового транспорта эта дорога закрыта — to * a hole заткнуть отверстие — to * a gap заполнить пробел;
(спортивное) сократить разрыв;
(военное) ликвидировать прорыв — to * a drawer задвинуть ящик (стола) закрываться — the window won’t * окно не закрывается — the shops * at six магазины закрываются в шесть часов — the wound *d рана закрылась — the play *d after ten performances после десяти представлений пьеса сошла со сцены (электротехника) замыкать (цепь) (морское) задраивать — to * one’s doors не допускать, не впускать;
закрыть предприятие — to * the country’s doors to immigrants не допускать иммиграции в страну — he had to * his doors for lack of trade он закрыл свое дело из-за отсутствия заказов — to * the door отрезать путь — his attitude *d the door to further negotiations его позиция отрезала путь к дальнейшим переговорам — to * one’s parent’s eyes закрыть глаза родителю, присутствовать при смерти родителя — to * smb.’s eye подбить глаз — to * one’s ear пропускать мимо ушей;
быть глухим — to * one’s mouth держать язык за зубами, помалкивать — to * one’s purse отказать в деньгах конец;
заключение, завершение — at the * of one’s days в конце жизни — day has reached its * день кончился — to bring to a * закончить, завершить;
довести до конца — to draw to a * приближаться к концу закрытие, окончание работы — at the * of the exchange при закрытии биржи — * price( коммерческое) окончательная цена( музыкальное) каданс заканчивать, завершать;
заключать — to * a speech заключить речь — to * a meeting закрыть собрание — to * a subscription list прекратить подписку — to * an account( финансовое) закрыть счет заканчиваться;
завершаться — the meeting *d with a speech by the president собрание завершилось выступлением президента — his short life *d его короткая жизнь оборвалась договариваться — to * a bargain договориться, заключить сделку принять (предложение, условие) — I offered him six pounds and he *d with it я предложил ему шесть фунтов, и он согласился — the two ministers did not * with each other два министра не смогли договориться между собой( биржевое) иметь цену или курс на момент закрытия биржи — that stock *d last night at ten dollars на момент закрытия биржи вчера вечером эти акции стоили десять долларов( военное) войти в соприкосновение — the order was given to * with the enemy дан приказ войти в соприкосновение с противником — to * one’s days окончить дни свои, умереть близкий;
находящийся или расположенный недалеко — * proximity непосредственная близость — * combat( военное) ближний бой — * reconnaissance( военное) ближняя разведка — * support( военное) непосредственная поддержка — * fighting бой с ближней дистанции (бокс) — the house is * to the station дом находится близко от вокзала близкий, интимный — he is a * friend of mine он мой большой друг тесный, близкий — * contact тесный контакт — * co-operation тесное сотрудничество;
(военное) непосредственное взаимодействие — there’s a * resemblance between them между ними большое сходство плотный, компактный;
тесный — * texture плотная ткань — * thicket густая чаща — to sew with * stitches шить мелкими стежками — * timber( горное) сплошная крепь — * formation( военное) сомкнутый строй — * march( военное) движение в сомкнутом строю — * finish финиширование в тесной группе участников (велоспорт) — * planting загущенный посев, загущенная посадка( растений) — * stand густое стояние;
сомкнутость полога (леса) хорошо пригнанный;
плотный — * lid плотно закрывающаяся крышка — * bonnet плотно сидящая на голове шапочка — * fit (техническое) плотная пригонка облегающий (об одежде) сжатый (о стиле) краткий и содержательный — * statement лаконичное заявление убористый (о почерке) — * print убористая печать, плотный набор душный, спертый — * air спертый воздух — * day душный день — a spell of * weather период летний духоты тщательный;
подробный — * investigation тщательное расследование — * analysis подробный анализ — * attention пристальное внимание — * check( техническое) строгий контроль точный — * translation точный перевод срезанный низко, коротко, до корня — * haircut короткая стрижка — * mowing низкий срез( травы, хлебов) скупой, скаредный — he is * with his money он скуповат почти равный( о шансах) — * combat состязание, в котором силы участвующих почти равны;
состязание достойных соперников;
упорная борьба на выборах — * vote почти равное количество голосов «за» и «против» — * district (американизм) избирательный округ, в котором победа одержана незначительным большинством( разговорное) трудно достающийся, ограниченный (о средствах) — money is * деньги достаются нелегко( разговорное) скуповатый строго логичный — * reasoning логичное рассуждение( устаревшее) строгий, суровый — * mourning глубокий траур( редкое) вязкий;
нелетучий( спортивное) осторожный( о футболе и т. п.) (кинематографический) крупный — * shot крупный план близко — * at hand близко, рядом, под рукой;
рукой подать — to follow smb. * следовать за кем-л. по пятам — the end of the year is drawing * приближается конец года — * to the wind (морское) в крутой бейдевинд коротко — to cut one’s hair * коротко подстричься в сочетаниях: — * by рядом — * on приблизительно, около, почти — * to около — to sit * to the fire сидеть около камина — to stick * to the text строго придерживаться текста — * upon приблизительно, около, почти — * upon two hundred people около двухсот человек — to press smb. * обращаться сурово — * to home не в бровь, а в глаз — the speaker’s remarks hit * to home замечания оратора попали в самую точку подходить близко, сближаться, смыкаться — the ship sank and the water *d over it корабль затонул, и воды сомкнулись над ним (спортивное) (военное) сомкнуть( ряды) — to * the ranks сомкнуть ряды;
сплотиться, объединиться — we must * the ranks to secure peace мы должны сплотиться, чтобы обеспечить мир
(by) a ~ shave на волосок от (by) a ~ shave с минимальным преимуществом
~ конец, завершение, окончание;
to bring to a close довести до конца, завершить, закончить bring to a ~ вчт. завершать
close без пропусков, пробелов;
связный ~ близкий, интимный;
close friend близкий друг ~ близкий (о времени и месте) ;
тесный;
close contact тесный контакт ~ близкий ~ близко;
close up поблизости;
close on почти, приблизительно;
there were close on a hundred people present присутствовало почти сто человек ~ внимательный;
тщательный;
подробный;
close investigation подробное обследование;
close reading внимательное, медленное чтение ~ договариваться ~ завершать ~ завершение ~ завершение кредитного соглашения ~ завершение сделки ~ заканчивать(ся) ;
заключать (речь и т. п.) ;
to close a discussion прекратить обсуждение ~ заканчивать ~ заключать ~ заключение ~ закрывать(ся) ;
кончать (торговлю, занятия) ~ вчт. закрывать ~ закрывать ~ закрываться ~ закрытие ~ закрытие биржи ~ закрытие бухгалтерских книг в конце учетного периода ~ закрытый ~ вчт. закрыть ~ замкнутый, молчаливый, скрытный;
to keep oneself close держаться замкнуто ~ замкнутый ~ эл. замыкать (цепь) ;
close about окутывать;
окружать ~ иметь определенный курс на момент закрытия биржи ~ муз. каденция;
каданс ~ компактный ~ конец, завершение, окончание;
to bring to a close довести до конца, завершить, закончить ~ конец ~ кончать ~ коротко;
close cropped коротко остриженный;
to cut one’s hair close коротко постричься ~ облегающий (об одежде) ;
хорошо пригнанный;
точно соответствующий ~ огороженное место (часто вокруг собора) ~ ограниченный ~ окончание работы ~ плотный;
густой (о лесе) ;
close texture плотная ткань ~ плотный ~ подробный ~ подходить близко;
сближаться вплотную ~ почти;
he ran me very close он почти догнал меня ~ почти равный (о шансах) ~ почти равный ~ прекращение ~ сжатый (о почерке, стиле) ;
close print убористая печать ~ скупой;
he is close with his money он скуповат ~ спертый, душный ~ строгий (об аресте, изоляции) ~ строго охраняемый ~ тайный ~ точный;
close translation точный перевод ~ точный ~ тщательный ~ уединенный;
скрытый;
to keep a thing close держать (что-л.) в секрете;
to keep (или to lie) close прятаться ~ хорошо пригнанный ~ школьная площадка
~ заканчивать(ся) ;
заключать (речь и т. п.) ;
to close a discussion прекратить обсуждение
~ эл. замыкать (цепь) ;
close about окутывать;
окружать
to get to ~ quarters сблизиться, подойти на близкую дистанцию;
close attack воен. наступление с ближней дистанции
~ call амер. на волосок от;
close contest упорная борьба на выборах;
close vote почти равное деление голосов
~ column сомкнутая колонна;
close order сомкнутый строй column: ~ воен. колонна;
амер. мор. строй кильватера;
close column сомкнутая колонна;
in column в колонне, в затылок;
амер. мор. в строю кильватера
~ близкий (о времени и месте) ;
тесный;
close contact тесный контакт
~ call амер. на волосок от;
close contest упорная борьба на выборах;
close vote почти равное деление голосов
~ коротко;
close cropped коротко остриженный;
to cut one’s hair close коротко постричься
~ defence непосредственное охранение
~ district амер. избирательный округ, где победа на выборах одержана незначительным большинством
~ down мор. задраивать ~ down закрывать (предприятие) ;
прекращать работу ~ down закрывать ~ down ликвидировать предприятие ~ down подавлять ~ down прекращать работу ~ down применять репрессии;
подавлять
~ близкий, интимный;
close friend близкий друг
~ in окружать, огораживать ~ in приближаться;
наступать ~ in сокращаться (о днях) ;
close on приходить к соглашению;
close round окружать
~ внимательный;
тщательный;
подробный;
close investigation подробное обследование;
close reading внимательное, медленное чтение
~ of financial year конец финансового года
~ of pleadings прекращение обмена состязательными бумагами
~ of polling прекращение процедуры голосования
~ of year конец года
~ близко;
close up поблизости;
close on почти, приблизительно;
there were close on a hundred people present присутствовало почти сто человек ~ in сокращаться (о днях) ;
close on приходить к соглашению;
close round окружать ~ upon = ~ on;
~ with вступать в борьбу ~ upon = ~ on;
~ with принимать предложение, заключать сделку
to ~ one’s days умереть;
to close the door (on smth.) положить конец обсуждению (чего-л.) ;
сделать( что-л.) невозможным day: his ~ is gone его время прошло, окончилась его счастливая пора;
his days are numbered дни его сочтены;
to close (или to end) one’s days окончить дни свои;
скончаться;
покончить счеты с жизнью
~ column сомкнутая колонна;
close order сомкнутый строй order: ~ воен. строй, боевой порядок;
close (extended) order сомкнутый (расчлененный) строй
~ out закрывать свое предприятие ~ out исключать ~ out исключать возможность ~ out ликвидировать ценные бумаги ~ out продавать
~ сжатый (о почерке, стиле) ;
close print убористая печать
~ внимательный;
тщательный;
подробный;
close investigation подробное обследование;
close reading внимательное, медленное чтение reading: ~ чтение;
close reading внимательное чтение
~ in сокращаться (о днях) ;
close on приходить к соглашению;
close round окружать
~ season время, когда запрещена охота или рыбная ловля season: close ~ закрытый сезон
~ плотный;
густой (о лесе) ;
close texture плотная ткань
to ~ one’s days умереть;
to close the door (on smth.) положить конец обсуждению (чего-л.) ;
сделать (что-л.) невозможным door: door дверь;
дверца;
дверной проем;
front door парадный вход;
to close the door ((up) on smb.) закрыть (за кем-л.) дверь ~ перен. путь, дорога;
a door to success путь к успеху;
to close the door (to (или upon) smth.) отрезать путь (к чему-л.) ;
сделать (что-л.) невозможным;
to open a door (to (или for) smth.) открыть путь (к чему-л.) ;
~ точный;
close translation точный перевод
~ близко;
close up поблизости;
close on почти, приблизительно;
there were close on a hundred people present присутствовало почти сто человек ~ up заканчивать ~ up закрывать ~ up закрываться (о ране) ~ up ликвидировать ~ up сомкнуть ряды
~ upon = ~ on;
~ with вступать в борьбу ~ upon = ~ on;
~ with принимать предложение, заключать сделку
~ call амер. на волосок от;
close contest упорная борьба на выборах;
close vote почти равное деление голосов
~ upon = ~ on;
~ with вступать в борьбу ~ upon = ~ on;
~ with принимать предложение, заключать сделку
~ коротко;
close cropped коротко остриженный;
to cut one’s hair close коротко постричься
to get to ~ quarters сблизиться, подойти на близкую дистанцию;
close attack воен. наступление с ближней дистанции
~ скупой;
he is close with his money он скуповат
~ почти;
he ran me very close он почти догнал меня
~ уединенный;
скрытый;
to keep a thing close держать (что-л.) в секрете;
to keep (или to lie) close прятаться
~ уединенный;
скрытый;
to keep a thing close держать (что-л.) в секрете;
to keep (или to lie) close прятаться
~ замкнутый, молчаливый, скрытный;
to keep oneself close держаться замкнуто
~ близко;
close up поблизости;
close on почти, приблизительно;
there were close on a hundred people present присутствовало почти сто человек

Princeton’s WordNetRate this definition:2.2 / 9 votes

1. trafficnoun

   the aggregation of things (pedestrians or vehicles) coming and going in a particular locality during a specified period of time

2. trafficnoun

   buying and selling; especially illicit trade

3. trafficnoun

   the amount of activity over a communication system during a given period of time

   «heavy traffic overloaded the trunk lines»; «traffic on the internet is lightest during the night»

4. dealings, trafficverb

   social or verbal interchange (usually followed by `with’)

5. trafficverb

   deal illegally

   «traffic drugs»

6. trafficverb

   trade or deal a commodity

   «They trafficked with us for gold»

WiktionaryRate this definition:5.0 / 1 vote

1. trafficnoun

   Pedestrians or vehicles on roads, or the flux or passage thereof.

   Traffic is slow at rush hour.

2. trafficnoun

   Commercial transportation or exchange of goods, or the movement of passengers or people.

3. trafficnoun

   Illegal trade or exchange of goods, often drugs.

4. trafficnoun

   Exchange or flux of information, messages or data, as in a computer or telephone network.

5. trafficverb

   To pass goods and commodities from one person to another for an equivalent in goods or money; to buy or sell goods; to barter; to trade.

6. trafficverb

   To trade meanly or mercenarily; to bargain.

7. trafficverb

   To exchange in traffic; to effect by a bargain or for a consideration.

8. Etymology: From trafic, tráfico, traffico

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Traffic

   Traffic comprises pedestrians, vehicles, ridden or herded animals, trains, and other conveyances that use public ways (roads) for travel and transportation.
   Traffic laws govern and regulate traffic, while rules of the road include traffic laws and informal rules that may have developed over time to facilitate the orderly and timely flow of traffic. Organized traffic generally has well-established priorities, lanes, right-of-way, and traffic control at intersections.
   Traffic is formally organized in many jurisdictions, with marked lanes, junctions, intersections, interchanges, traffic signals, or signs. Traffic is often classified by type: heavy motor vehicle (e.g., car, truck), other vehicle (e.g., moped, bicycle), and pedestrian. Different classes may share speed limits and easement, or may be segregated. Some jurisdictions may have very detailed and complex rules of the road while others rely more on drivers’ common sense and willingness to cooperate.
   Organization typically produces a better combination of travel safety and efficiency. Events which disrupt the flow and may cause traffic to degenerate into a disorganized mess include road construction, collisions, and debris in the roadway. On particularly busy freeways, a minor disruption may persist in a phenomenon known as traffic waves. A complete breakdown of organization may result in traffic congestion and gridlock. Simulations of organized traffic frequently involve queuing theory, stochastic processes and equations of mathematical physics applied to traffic flow.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Trafficverb

   to pass goods and commodities from one person to another for an equivalent in goods or money; to buy or sell goods; to barter; to trade

2. Trafficverb

   to trade meanly or mercenarily; to bargain

3. Trafficverb

   to exchange in traffic; to effect by a bargain or for a consideration

4. Traffic

   commerce, either by barter or by buying and selling; interchange of goods and commodities; trade

5. Traffic

   commodities of the market

6. Traffic

   the business done upon a railway, steamboat line, etc., with reference to the number of passengers or the amount of freight carried

FreebaseRate this definition:3.0 / 2 votes

1. Traffic

   Traffic on roads may consist of pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using the public way for purposes of travel. Traffic laws are the laws which govern traffic and regulate vehicles, while rules of the road are both the laws and the informal rules that may have developed over time to facilitate the orderly and timely flow of traffic.
   Organized traffic generally has well-established priorities, lanes, right-of-way, and traffic control at intersections.
   Traffic is formally organized in many jurisdictions, with marked lanes, junctions, intersections, interchanges, traffic signals, or signs. Traffic is often classified by type: heavy motor vehicle; other vehicle; and pedestrian. Different classes may share speed limits and easement, or may be segregated. Some jurisdictions may have very detailed and complex rules of the road while others rely more on drivers’ common sense and willingness to cooperate.
   Organization typically produces a better combination of travel safety and efficiency. Events which disrupt the flow and may cause traffic to degenerate into a disorganized mess include: road construction, collisions and debris in the roadway. On particularly busy freeways, a minor disruption may persist in a phenomenon known as traffic waves. A complete breakdown of organization may result in traffic congestion and gridlock. Simulations of organized traffic frequently involve queuing theory, stochastic processes and equations of mathematical physics applied to traffic flow.

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Traffic

   traf′ik, n. commerce: large trade: the business done on a railway, &c.—v.i. to trade: to trade meanly.—v.t. to exchange:—pr.p. traff′icking; pa.t. and pa.p. traff′icked.—n. Traff′icker.—adj. Traff′icless.—n. Traff′ic-man′ager, the manager of the traffic on a railway, &c. [O. Fr. trafique; cf. It. trafficare, prob. from L. trans, across, and Low L. vicāre, to exchange—L. vicis, change; not from facĕre, to make.]

Matched Categories

1. • Collection
   • Commerce
   • Communication
   • Crime
   • Trade

British National Corpus

1. Spoken Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word ‘Traffic’ in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #1807

2. Written Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word ‘Traffic’ in Written Corpus Frequency: #728

3. Nouns Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word ‘Traffic’ in Nouns Frequency: #701

How to pronounce Traffic?

How to say Traffic in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of Traffic in Chaldean Numerology is: 9

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of Traffic in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9

Examples of Traffic in a Sentence

1. Haylie Duff:

   We get to deal with all that traffic, although Austin is getting a lot of traffic with so many people coming here now. But, you know, I think our quality of life just changed a little bit.

2. Joe Borelli:

   He’s the one who’s telling us he’s not going to charge people with gun crimes and fully prosecute them, according to the law. So it’s just lip service from people like him. And unfortunately, that has real-world consequences, every single police action, whether it’s a domestic violence response like this or a traffic stop, has the potential of going south. And if police officers are not going to be protected by the law, if the prosecutors are going to go after the people, then we have to reconsider whether it’s even worth the risk of sending cops in the first place.

3. He Jiankun:

   Perhaps the traffic light that is now showing green could blink yellow and then blink red. And decisions might be made in favor of alternative sources of energy in the way China finances development in other countries.

4. Sertac Koc:

   They tried to block traffic to the base by parking their vehicles, burning hay to block the jets’ vision, and in the end they attempted to cut the power to the base.

5. Hillary Clinton:

   I have absolutely no support for a city that ignores the strong evidence that should be acted on. … If it were a first-time traffic citation, if it were something minor, a misdemeanor, that’s entirely different, this man had already been deported five times. And he should have been deported at the request of the federal government.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

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Translations for Traffic

From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary

• ትራፊክAmharic
• مرور, حركة المرورArabic
• tràficCatalan, Valencian
• dopravaCzech
• Personenverkehr, Verkehr, Warenverkehr, DatenverkehrGerman
• trafikoEsperanto
• tráfico, trataSpanish
• liiklusEstonian
• ترافیکPersian
• mustapörssi, liikenne, kauppa, tietoliikenne, lentoliikenneFinnish
• traite, circulation, traficFrench
• tráchtIrish
• trafaigScottish Gaelic
• עומס, סחר, תְּנוּעָהHebrew
• यातायातHindi
• forgalomHungarian
• trafikoIdo
• viabilità, traffico, trattaItalian
• トラフィック, 取引, 交信, 交通Japanese
• 교통, 交通Korean
• промет, сообраќајMacedonian
• ഗതാഗതംMalayalam
• handel, verkeer, zwarte handelDutch
• ferdsel, trafikkNorwegian
• ruch drogowyPolish
• trata, tráfico, tráfego, trânsitoPortuguese
• trataRomanian
• движение, трафик, торговляRussian
• саобраћај, promet, промет, saobraćajSerbo-Croatian
• samfärdsel, illegal handel, trafik, trafficking, handelSwedish
• திரக்குTamil
• seyrüsefer, trafikTurkish
• рухUkrainian
• giao thôngVietnamese

Get even more translations for Traffic »

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Traffic comprises pedestrians, vehicles, ridden or herded animals, trains, and other conveyances that use public ways (roads) for travel and transportation.

Traffic laws govern and regulate traffic, while rules of the road include traffic laws and informal rules that may have developed over time to facilitate the orderly and timely flow of traffic.^[1] Organized traffic generally has well-established priorities, lanes, right-of-way, and traffic control at intersections.

Traffic is formally organized in many jurisdictions, with marked lanes, junctions, intersections, interchanges, traffic signals, or signs. Traffic is often classified by type: heavy motor vehicle (e.g., car, truck), other vehicle (e.g., moped, bicycle), and pedestrian. Different classes may share speed limits and easement, or may be segregated. Some jurisdictions may have very detailed and complex rules of the road while others rely more on drivers’ common sense and willingness to cooperate.

Organization typically produces a better combination of travel safety and efficiency. Events which disrupt the flow and may cause traffic to degenerate into a disorganized mess include road construction, collisions, and debris in the roadway. On particularly busy freeways, a minor disruption may persist in a phenomenon known as traffic waves. A complete breakdown of organization may result in traffic congestion and gridlock. Simulations of organized traffic frequently involve queuing theory, stochastic processes and equations of mathematical physics applied to traffic flow.

Etymology and typesEdit

The word traffic originally meant «trade» (as it still does) and comes from the Old Italian verb trafficare and noun traffico. The origin of the Italian words is unclear. Suggestions include Catalan trafegar «decant»,^[2] an assumed Vulgar Latin verb transfricare ‘rub across’,^[3] an assumed Vulgar Latin combination of trans- and facere ‘make or do’,^[3][4] Arabic tafriq ‘distribution’,^[3] and Arabic taraffaqa, which can mean ‘seek profit’.^[4] Broadly, the term covers many kinds of traffic including network traffic, air traffic, marine traffic and rail traffic, but it is often used narrowly to mean only road traffic.

Rules of the roadEdit

Traffic control in Rome, Italy. This traffic control podium can retract back to road level when not in use.

Rules of the road and driving etiquette are the general practices and procedures that road users are required to follow. These rules usually apply to all road users, though they are of special importance to motorists and cyclists. These rules govern interactions between vehicles and with pedestrians. The basic traffic rules are defined by an international treaty under the authority of the United Nations, the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Not all countries are signatory to the convention and, even among signatories, local variations in practice may be found. There are also unwritten local rules of the road, which are generally understood by local drivers.

As a general rule, drivers are expected to avoid a collision with another vehicle and pedestrians, regardless of whether or not the applicable rules of the road allow them to be where they happen to be.^[5][6]

In addition to the rules applicable by default, traffic signs and traffic lights must be obeyed, and instructions may be given by a police officer, either routinely (on a busy crossing instead of traffic lights) or as road traffic control around a construction zone, accident, or other road disruption.

These rules should be distinguished from the mechanical procedures required to operate a vehicle; see Driving.

Closely related articles:

• Rules of the Road (Ireland)
• Rules of the road in China

DirectionalityEdit

Traffic heading in inverse ways ought to be isolated so as to not hinder each other’s way. The most essential guideline is whether to utilize the left or right half of the street.

Traffic regulationsEdit

In many countries, the rules of the road are codified, setting out the legal requirements and punishments for breaking them.

In the United Kingdom, the rules are set out in the Highway Code, which includes not only obligations but also advice on how to drive sensibly and safely.

In the United States, traffic laws are regulated by the states and municipalities through their respective traffic codes. Most of these are based at least in part on the Uniform Vehicle Code, but there are variations from state to state. In states such as Florida, traffic law and criminal law are separate; therefore, unless someone flees the scene of an accident or commits vehicular homicide or manslaughter, they are only guilty of a minor traffic offense. However, states such as South Carolina have completely criminalised their traffic law, so, for example, one is guilty of a misdemeanor simply for travelling 5 miles over the speed limit.

Organised trafficEdit

Passage Priority (right of way)Edit

Vehicles often come into conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians because their intended courses of travel intersect, and thus interfere with each other’s routes. The general principle that establishes who has the right to go first is called «right of way» (spelled without hyphens and distinct from right-of-way), or «priority». It establishes who has the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who has to wait until the other does so.

Yield sign in Switzerland. Mandatory direction to military traffic.

Signs, signals, markings and other features are often used to make priority explicit. Some signs, such as the stop sign, are nearly universal. When there are no signs or markings, different rules are observed depending on the location. These default priority rules differ between countries, and may even vary within countries. Trends toward uniformity are exemplified at an international level by the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which prescribes standardised traffic control devices (signs, signals, and markings) for establishing the right of way where necessary.

Crosswalks (or pedestrian crossings) are common in populated areas, and may indicate that pedestrians have priority over vehicular traffic. In most modern cities, the traffic signal is used to establish the right of way on the busy roads. Its primary purpose is to give each road a duration of time in which its traffic may use the intersection in an organised way. The intervals of time assigned for each road may be adjusted to take into account factors such as difference in volume of traffic, the needs of pedestrians, or other traffic signals. Pedestrian crossings may be located near other traffic control devices; if they are not also regulated in some way, vehicles must give priority to them when in use. Traffic on a public road usually has priority over other traffic such as traffic emerging from private access; rail crossings and drawbridges are typical exceptions.

Uncontrolled trafficEdit

Uncontrolled traffic comes in the absence of lane markings and traffic control signals. On roads without marked lanes, drivers tend to keep to the appropriate side if the road is wide enough. Drivers frequently overtake others. Obstructions are
common.

Intersections have no signals or signage, and a particular road at a busy intersection may be dominant – that is, its traffic flows – until a break in traffic, at which time the dominance shifts to the other road where vehicles are queued. At the intersection of two perpendicular roads, a traffic jam may result if four vehicles face each other side-on.

TurningEdit

Drivers often seek to turn onto another road or onto private property. The vehicle’s blinking turn signals (commonly known as «blinkers» or «indicators») are often used as a way to announce one’s intention to turn, thus alerting other drivers. The actual usage of directional signals varies greatly amongst countries, although its purpose is to indicate a driver’s intention to depart from the current (and natural) flow of traffic well before the departure is executed (typically 3 seconds as a guideline).

This will usually mean that turning traffic must stop and wait for a breach to turn, and this might cause inconvenience for drivers that follow them but do not want to turn. This is why dedicated lanes and protected traffic signals for turning are sometimes provided. On busier intersections where a protected lane would be ineffective or cannot be built, turning may be entirely prohibited, and drivers will be required to «drive around the block» in order to accomplish the turn. Many cities employ this tactic quite often; in San Francisco, due to its common practice, making three right turns is known colloquially as a «San Francisco left turn». Likewise, as many intersections in Taipei City are too busy to allow direct left turns, signs often direct drivers to drive around the block to turn.

Turning rules are by no means universal. For example, in New Zealand (a drive-on-the-left country) between 1977 and 2012, left turning traffic had to give way to opposing right-turning traffic wishing to take the same road (unless there were multiple lanes, but then one must take care in case a vehicle jumped lanes). New Zealand abolished this particular rule on 25 March 2012, except at roundabouts or when denoted by a Give Way or Stop sign.^[7] Although the rule caused initial driver confusion, and many intersections required or still require modification,^[8] the change is predicted to eventually prevent one death and 13 serious injuries annually.

On roads with multiple lanes, turning traffic is generally expected to move to the lane closest to the direction they wish to turn. For example, traffic intending to turn right will usually move to the rightmost lane before the intersection. Likewise, left-turning traffic will move to the leftmost lane. Exceptions to this rule may exist where for example the traffic authority decides that the two rightmost lanes will be for turning right, in which case drivers may take whichever of them to turn. Traffic may adapt to informal patterns that rise naturally rather than by force of authority. For example, it is common for drivers to observe (and trust) the turn signals used by other drivers in order to make turns from other lanes. If several vehicles on the right lane are all turning right, a vehicle may come from the next-to-right lane and turn right as well, in parallel with the other right-turning vehicles.

IntersectionsEdit

In most of Continental Europe, the default rule is to give priority to the right, but this may be overridden by signs or road markings. There, priority was initially given according to the social rank of each traveler, but early in the life of the automobile this rule was deemed impractical and replaced with the priorité à droite (priority to the right) rule, which still applies. At a traffic circle where priorité à droite is not overridden, traffic on what would otherwise be a roundabout gives way to traffic entering the circle. Most French roundabouts now have give-way signs for traffic entering the circle, but there remain some notable exceptions that operate on the old rule, such as the Place de l’Étoile around the Arc de Triomphe. Priority to the right where used in continental Europe may be overridden by an ascending hierarchy of markings, signs, signals, and authorized persons.

Roundabout in a country where traffic drives on the right. Traffic streams circularly around a central island after first yielding to circulating traffic. Unlike with traffic circles, vehicles on a roundabout have priority over the entering vehicle, parking is not allowed and pedestrians are usually prohibited from the central island.

intersection of two-way streets as seen from above (traffic flows on the right side of the road). The east–west street has left turn lanes from both directions, but the north–south street does not have left turn lanes at this intersection. The east–west street traffic lights also have green left turn arrows to show when unhindered left turns can be made. Some possible markings for crosswalks are shown.

In the United Kingdom, priority is generally indicated by signs or markings, so that almost all junctions between public roads (except those governed by traffic signals) have a concept of a major road and minor road. The default give-way-to-the-right rule used in Continental Europe causes problems for many British and Irish drivers who are accustomed to having right of way by default unless otherwise indicated. A very small proportion of low-traffic junctions are unmarked – typically on housing estates or in rural areas. Here the rule is to «proceed with great care»^[9] i.e. slow the vehicle and check for traffic on the intersecting road.

Other countries use various methods similar to the above examples to establish the right of way at intersections. For example, in most of the United States, the default priority is to yield to traffic from the right, but this is usually overridden by traffic control devices or other rules, like the boulevard rule. This rule holds that traffic entering a major road from a smaller road or alley must yield to the traffic of the busier road, but signs are often still posted. The boulevard rule can be compared with the above concept of a major and minor road, or the priority roads that may be found in countries that are parties to the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals.

Perpendicular intersections
Also known as a «four-way» intersection, this intersection is the most common configuration for roads that cross each other, and the most basic type.

If traffic signals do not control a four-way intersection, signs or other features are typically used to control movements and make clear priorities. The most common arrangement is to indicate that one road has priority over the other, but there are complex cases where all traffic approaching an intersection must yield and may be required to stop.

In the United States, South Africa, and Canada, there are four-way intersections with a stop sign at every entrance, called four-way stops. A failed signal or a flashing red light is equivalent to a four-way stop, or an all-way stop. Special rules for four-way stops may include:

1. In the countries that use four-way stops, pedestrians always have priority at crosswalks – even at unmarked ones, which exist as the logical continuations of the sidewalks at every intersection with approximately right angles – unless signed or painted otherwise.
2. Whichever vehicle first stops at the stop line – or before the crosswalk, if there is no stop line – has priority.
3. If two vehicles stop at the same time, priority is given to the vehicle on the right.
4. If several vehicles arrive at the same time, a right-of-way conflict may arise wherein no driver has the legal right-of-way. This may result in drivers informally signaling to other drivers to indicate their intent to yield, for example by waving or flashing headlights.^[10]

In Europe and other places, there are similar intersections. These may be marked by special signs (according to the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals), a danger sign with a black X representing a crossroads. This sign informs drivers that the intersection is uncontrolled and that default rules apply. In Europe and in many areas of North America the default rules that apply at uncontrolled four-way intersections are almost identical:

1. Rules for pedestrians differ by country, in the United States and Canada pedestrians generally have priority at such an intersection.
2. All vehicles must give priority to any traffic approaching from their right,
3. Then, if the vehicle is turning right or continuing on the same road it may proceed.
4. Vehicles turning left must also give priority to traffic approaching from the opposite direction, unless that traffic is also turning left.
5. If the intersection is congested, vehicles must alternate directions and/or circulate priority to the right one vehicle at a time.^{[citation needed]}

Protected intersection for bicyclesEdit

A number of features make this protected intersection. A corner refuge island, a setback crossing of the pedestrians and cyclists, generally between 1.5–7 metres of setback, a forward stop bar, which allows cyclists to stop for a traffic light well ahead of motor traffic who must stop behind the crosswalk. Separate signal staging or at least an advance green for cyclists and pedestrians is used to give cyclists and pedestrians no conflicts or a head start over traffic. The design makes a right turn on red, and sometimes left on red depending on the geometry of the intersection in question, possible in many cases, often without stopping.^[11]

This type of intersection is common in the bicycle-friendly Netherlands.^[12]

Protected intersection design based on a common Dutch model, preserving the physical segregation of the cycle lane throughout the intersection

Pedestrian crossingsEdit

Pedestrians must often cross from one side of a road to the other, and in doing so may come into the way of vehicles traveling on the road. In many places pedestrians are entirely left to look after themselves, that is, they must observe the road and cross when they can see that no traffic will threaten them. Busier cities usually provide pedestrian crossings, which are strips of the road where pedestrians are expected to cross.

The actual appearance of pedestrian crossings varies greatly, but the two most common appearances are: (1) a series of lateral white stripes or (2) two longitudinal white lines. The former is usually preferred, as it stands out more conspicuously against the dark pavement.

Some pedestrian crossings accompany a traffic signal to make vehicles stop at regular intervals so pedestrians can cross. Some countries have «intelligent» pedestrian signals, where the pedestrian must push a button in order to assert his intention to cross. In some countries, approaching traffic is monitored by radar or by electromagnetic sensors buried in the road surface, and the pedestrian crossing lights are set to red if a speed infringement is detected. This has the effect of enforcing the local speed limit. See Speed Limits below.

Pedestrian crossings without traffic signals are also common. In this case, the traffic laws usually states that the pedestrian has the right of way when crossing, and that vehicles must stop when a pedestrian uses the crossing. Countries and driving cultures vary greatly as to the extent to which this is respected. In the state of Nevada the car has the right of way when the crosswalk signal specifically forbids pedestrian crossing. Traffic culture is a determinant factor for the behaviors of all road users’ traffic. Specifically, it has a main role in crashes.^[13]

Some jurisdictions forbid crossing or using the road anywhere other than at crossings, termed jaywalking. In other areas, pedestrians may have the right to cross where they choose, and have right of way over vehicular traffic while crossing.

In most areas, an intersection is considered to have a crosswalk, even if not painted, as long as the roads meet at approximate right angles. The United Kingdom and Croatia are among the exceptions.

Pedestrian crossings may also be located away from intersections.

Level crossingsEdit

An example of a typical rail crossing in the United States as an Amtrak Carolinian and Piedmont train passes through

A level crossing is an at-grade intersection of a railway by a road. Because of safety issues, they are often equipped with closable gates, crossing bells and warning signs.

Speed limitsEdit

The higher the speed of a vehicle, the more difficult collision avoidance becomes and the greater the damage if a collision does occur. Therefore, many countries of the world limit the maximum speed allowed on their roads. Vehicles are not supposed to be driven at speeds which are higher than the posted maximum.

To enforce speed limits, two approaches are generally employed. In the United States, it is common for the police to patrol the streets and use special equipment (typically a radar unit) to measure the speed of vehicles, and pull over any vehicle found to be in violation of the speed limit. In Brazil, Colombia and some European countries, there are computerized speed-measuring devices spread throughout the city, which will automatically detect speeding drivers and take a photograph of the license plate (or number plate), which is later used for applying and mailing the ticket. Many jurisdictions in the U.S. use this technology as well.

A mechanism that was developed in Germany is the Grüne Welle, or green wave, which is an indicator that shows the optimal speed to travel for the synchronized green lights along that corridor. Driving faster or slower than the speed set by the behavior of the lights causes the driver to encounter many red lights. This discourages drivers from speeding or impeding the flow of traffic. See related traffic wave and Pedestrian Crossings, above.

OvertakingEdit

Overtaking (or passing) refers to a maneuver by which one or more vehicles traveling in the same direction are passed by another vehicle. On two-lane roads, when there is a split line or a dashed line on the side of the overtaker, drivers may overtake when it is safe. On multi-lane roads in most jurisdictions, overtaking is permitted in the «slower» lanes, though many require a special circumstance. See «Lanes» below.

In the United Kingdom and Canada, notably on extra-urban roads, a solid white or yellow line closer to the driver is used to indicate that no overtaking is allowed in that lane. A double white or yellow line means that neither side may overtake.

In the United States, a solid white line means that lane changes are discouraged and a double white line means that the lane change is prohibited.

LanesEdit

Changing lanes on an 8-lane road outside Gothenburg, Sweden

When a street is wide enough to accommodate several vehicles traveling side-by-side, it is usual for traffic to organize itself into lanes, that is, parallel corridors of traffic. Some roads have one lane for each direction of travel and others have multiple lanes for each direction. Most countries apply pavement markings to clearly indicate the limits of each lane and the direction of travel that it must be used for. In other countries lanes have no markings at all and drivers follow them mostly by intuition rather than visual stimulus.

On roads that have multiple lanes going in the same direction, drivers may usually shift amongst lanes as they please, but they must do so in a way that does not cause inconvenience to other drivers. Driving cultures vary greatly on the issue of «lane ownership»: in some countries, drivers traveling in a lane will be very protective of their right to travel in it while in others drivers will routinely expect other drivers to shift back and forth.

Designation and overtaking

The usual designation for lanes on divided highways is the fastest lane is the one closest to the center of the road, and the slowest to the edge of the road. Drivers are usually expected to keep in the slowest lane unless overtaking, though with more traffic congestion all lanes are often used.

When driving on the left:

• The lane designated for faster traffic is on the right.
• The lane designated for slower traffic is on the left.
• Most freeway exits are on the left.
• Overtaking is permitted to the right, and sometimes to the left.

When driving on the right:

• The lane designated for faster traffic is on the left.
• The lane designated for slower traffic is on the right.
• Most freeway exits are on the right.
• Overtaking is permitted to the left, and sometimes to the right.

Countries party to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic have uniform rules about overtaking and lane designation. The convention details (amongst other things) that «Every driver shall keep to the edge of the carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic», and the «Drivers overtaking shall do so on the side opposite to that appropriate to the direction of traffic», notwithstanding the presence or absence of oncoming traffic. Allowed exceptions to these rules include turning or heavy traffic, traffic in lines, or situation in which signs or markings must dictate otherwise. These rules must be more strictly adhered to on roads with oncoming traffic, but still apply on multi-lane and divided highways. Many countries in Europe are party to the Vienna Conventions on traffic and roads. In Australia (which is not a contracting party), traveling in any lane other than the «slow» lane on a road with a speed limit at or above 80 km/h (50 mph) is an offence, unless signage is posted to the contrary or the driver is overtaking.

Many areas in North America do not have any laws about staying to the slowest lanes unless overtaking. In those areas, unlike many parts of Europe, traffic is allowed to overtake on any side, even in a slower lane. This practice is known as «passing on the right» in the United States and «overtaking on the inside» and «undertaking» in the United Kingdom.
When referring to individual lanes on dual carriageways, one does not consider traffic travelling the opposite direction. The inside lane (in the British English sense, i.e. the lane beside the hard shoulder) refers to the lane used for normal travel, while the middle lane is used for overtaking cars on the inside lane. The outside lane (i.e. closest to oncoming traffic) is used for overtaking vehicles in the middle lane. The same principle lies with dual carriageways with more than three lanes.

U.S.-state-specific practices

In some US states (such as Louisiana, Massachusetts and New York), although there are laws requiring all traffic on a public way to use the right-most lane unless overtaking, this rule is often ignored and seldom enforced on multi-lane roadways. Some states, such as Colorado, use a combination of laws and signs restricting speeds or vehicles on certain lanes to emphasize overtaking only on the left lane, and to avoid a psychological condition commonly called road rage.

In California, cars may use any lane on multi-lane roadways. Drivers moving slower than the general flow of traffic are required to stay in the right-most lanes (by California Vehicle Code (CVC) 21654) to keep the way clear for faster vehicles and thus speed up traffic. However, faster drivers may legally pass in the slower lanes if conditions allow (by CVC 21754). But the CVC also requires trucks to stay in the right lane, or in the right two lanes if the roadway has four or more lanes going in their direction. The oldest freeways in California, and some freeway interchanges, often have ramps on the left, making signs like «TRUCKS OK ON LEFT LANE» or «TRUCKS MAY USE ALL LANES» necessary to override the default rule. Lane splitting, or riding motorcycles in the space between cars in traffic, is permitted as long as it is done in a safe and prudent manner.^[14]

One-way roadwaysEdit

One-way traffic on Anawrahta road, Yangon

In order to increase traffic capacity and safety, a route may have two or more separate roads for each direction of traffic. Alternatively, a given road might be declared one-way.

High-speed roadsEdit

In large cities, moving from one part of the city to another by means of ordinary streets and avenues can be time-consuming since traffic is often slowed by at-grade junctions, tight turns, narrow marked lanes and lack of a minimum speed limit. Therefore, it has become common practice for larger cities to build roads for faster through traffic. There are two different types of roads used to provide high-speed access across urban areas:

• The controlled-access highway (freeway or motorway) is a divided multi-lane highway with fully controlled access and grade-separated intersections (no cross traffic). Some freeways are called expressways, super-highways, or turnpikes, depending on local usage. Access to freeways is fully controlled; entering and leaving the freeway is permitted only at grade-separated interchanges.
• The limited-access road (often called expressway in areas where the name does not refer to a freeway or motorway) is a lower-grade type of road with some or many of the characteristics of a controlled-access highway: usually a broad multi-lane avenue, frequently divided, with some grade separation at intersections.

Motor vehicle drivers wishing to travel over great distances within the city will usually take the freeways or expressways in order to minimize travel time. When a crossing road is at the same grade as the freeway, a bridge (or, less often, an underpass) will be built for the crossing road. If the freeway is elevated, the crossing road will pass underneath it.

Minimum speed signs are sometimes posted (although increasingly rare) and usually indicate that any vehicle traveling slower than 40 mph (64 km/h) should indicate a slower speed of travel to other motor vehicles by engaging the vehicle’s four-way flashing lights. Alternative slower-than-posted speeds may be in effect, based on the posted speed limit of the highway/freeway.

Systems of freeways and expressways are also built to connect distant and regional cities, notable systems include the Interstate highways, the Autobahnen and the Expressway Network of the People’s Republic of China.

One-way streetsEdit

In more sophisticated systems such as large cities, this concept is further extended: some streets are marked as being one-way, and on those streets all traffic must flow in only one direction. Pedestrians on the sidewalks are generally not limited to one-way movement. Drivers wishing to reach a destination they have already passed must return via other streets. One-way streets, despite the inconveniences to some individual drivers, can greatly improve traffic flow since they usually allow traffic to move faster and tend to simplify intersections.

Congested trafficEdit

In some places traffic volume is consistently, extremely large, either during periods of time referred to as rush hour or perpetually. Exceptionally, traffic upstream of a vehicular collision or an obstruction, such as construction, may also be constrained, resulting in a traffic jam. Such dynamics in relation to traffic congestion is known as traffic flow. Traffic engineers sometimes gauge the quality of traffic flow in terms of level of service.

In measured traffic data, common spatiotemporal empirical features of traffic congestion have been found that are qualitatively the same for different highways in different countries. Some of these common features distinguish the wide moving jam and synchronized flow phases of congested traffic in Kerner’s three-phase traffic theory.

Rush hourEdit

During business days in most major cities, traffic congestion reaches great intensity at predictable times of the day due to the large number of vehicles using the road at the same time. This phenomenon is called rush hour or peak hour, although the period of high traffic intensity often exceeds one hour. Since the advent of car radios, radio programming during rush hour is likely to be called drive time.

Congestion mitigationEdit

Rush hour policiesEdit

Some cities adopt policies to reduce rush-hour traffic and pollution and encourage the use of public transportation. For example, in São Paulo, Manila^[15] and in Mexico City, each vehicle has a specific day of the week in which it is forbidden from traveling the roads during rush hour. The day for each vehicle is taken from the license plate number, and this rule is enforced by traffic police and also by hundreds of strategically positioned traffic cameras backed by computerized image-recognition systems that issue tickets to offending drivers.

In the United States and Canada, several expressways have a special lane (called an «HOV Lane» – High Occupancy Vehicle Lane) that can only be used by cars carrying two (some locations-three) or more people. Also, many major cities have instituted strict parking prohibitions during rush hour on major arterial streets leading to and from the central business district. During designated weekday hours, vehicles parked on these primary routes are subject to prompt ticketing and towing at owner expense. The purpose of these restrictions is to make available an additional traffic lane in order to maximize available traffic capacity. Additionally, several cities offer a public telephone service where citizens can arrange rides with others depending on where they live and work. The purpose of these policies is to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and thus reduce rush-hour traffic intensity.

Metered freeways are also a solution for controlling rush hour traffic. In Phoenix, Arizona and Seattle, Washington, among other places, metered on-ramps have been implemented. During rush hour, traffic signals are used with green lights to allow one car per blink of the light to proceed on to the freeway.

Pre-emptionEdit

In some areas, emergency responders are provided with specialized equipment, such as a Mobile Infrared Transmitter, which allows emergency response vehicles, particularly fire-fighting apparatus, to have high-priority travel by having the lights along their route change to green. The technology behind these methods has evolved, from panels at the fire department (which could trigger and control green lights for certain major corridors) to optical systems (which the individual fire apparatus can be equipped with to communicate directly with receivers on the signal head). In certain jurisdictions, public transport buses and government-operated winter service vehicles are permitted to use this equipment to extend the length of a green light.^[16]

During emergencies where evacuation of a heavily populated area is required, local authorities may institute contraflow lane reversal, in which all lanes of a road lead away from a danger zone regardless of their original flow. Aside from emergencies, contraflow may also be used to ease traffic congestion during rush hour or at the end of a sports event (where a large number of cars are leaving the venue at the same time). For example, the six lanes of the Lincoln Tunnel can be changed from three inbound and three outbound to a two/four configuration depending on traffic volume. The Brazilian highways Rodovia dos Imigrantes and Rodovia Anchieta connect São Paulo to the Atlantic coast. Almost all lanes of both highways are usually reversed during weekends to allow for heavy seaside traffic. The reversibility of the highways requires many additional highway ramps and complicated interchanges.

Intelligent transportation systemsEdit

An intelligent transportation system (ITS) is a system of hardware, software, and operators-in-the-loop that allow better monitoring and control of traffic in order to optimize traffic flow. As the number of vehicle lane miles traveled per year continues to increase dramatically, and as the number of vehicle lane miles constructed per year has not been keeping pace, this has led to ever-increasing traffic congestion. As a cost-effective solution toward optimizing traffic, ITS presents a number of technologies to reduce congestion by monitoring traffic flows through the use of sensors and live cameras or analysing cellular phone data travelling in cars (floating car data) and in turn rerouting traffic as needed through the use of variable message boards (VMS), highway advisory radio, on board or off board navigation devices and other systems through integration of traffic data with navigation systems. Additionally, the roadway network has been increasingly fitted with additional communications and control infrastructure to allow traffic operations personnel to monitor weather conditions, for dispatching maintenance crews to perform snow or ice removal, as well as intelligent systems such as automated bridge de-icing systems which help to prevent accidents.

See alsoEdit

ReferencesEdit

Further readingEdit

• May, Adolf. Traffic Flow Fundamentals. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1990.
• 2010 Highway Capacity Manual. Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C. ISBN 0-309-06681-6,
• Taylor, Nicholas. The Contram dynamic traffic assignment model TRL 2003
• B. S. Kerner, The Physics of Traffic, Springer, Berlin, New York, 2004
• B. S. Kerner, Introduction to Modern Traffic Flow Theory and Control: The Long Road to Three-Phase Traffic Theory, Springer, Berlin, New York, 2009
• Traffic Monitoring: A Guidebook Federal Highway Administration
• Vanderbilt, Tom. Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us). Knopf, New York, 2008.

External linksEdit

• Road Transport in the European Union
• Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE)
• The Greenroads Rating System
• Interactive Map of Traffic for every major UK Road
• SCATS Traffic Management Theory Archived 9 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine
• SCATS Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System

На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать грубую лексику.

На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать разговорную лексику.

транспортный узел

транспортной развязкой

транспортной развязки

дорожную развязку

транспортной развязке

транспортную развязку

транспортная развязка

транспортным узлом

перекрестков

There is a developed infrastructure and a relatively convenient traffic junction.

Существует развитая инфраструктура и относительно удобный транспортный узел.

The goods are to be transported along a customs route and via a general traffic junction.

Товары должны перевозиться по таможенному маршруту через общий транспортный узел.

Two-room apartments are located 10 minutes drive from the city center, in an area with a convenient traffic junction.

Двухкомнатные апартаменты размещены в 10 минутах езды от центра города, в районе с удобной транспортной развязкой.

The convenient location of the hotel close to a major traffic junction allows you to access the hotel freely from anywhere in the city.

Удачное расположение отеля рядом с крупной транспортной развязкой позволяет удобно доехать до отеля из любой точки города.

The total length of the ramps and other side roads of the traffic junction is almost 6 kilometres.

Длина рамп и других вспомогательных дорог транспортной развязки составляет почти 6 километров.

Hostels are usually located in a convenient location — either in the city center, or nearby to a traffic junction, attractions and shopping centers.

Располагаются обычно хостелы в удобном месте — либо в центре города, либо неподалёку от транспортной развязки, достопримечательностей и торговых центров.

Apartments «KievCentre apartments» are located at different addresses in an area with a good traffic junction.

Апартаменты «KievCentre apartments» расположены по разным адресам в районе с хорошей транспортной развязкой.

In Finland «Travel Centre» means a traffic junction that connects local, regional and national passenger traffic.

Используемое в Финляндии понятие «Центр пассажирских перевозок» означает транспортный узел, который позволяет связать местные, региональные и национальные пассажирские перевозки.

Construction of a multilevel traffic junction in Krasnogorsk is implemented in three stage.

Строительство многоуровневой транспортной развязки в Красногорске реализуется в три этапа.

The building is located in a place with a good traffic junction, not far from the railway station and bus stop, 1 minute from the main avenue of the city.

Здание находится в месте с хорошей транспортной развязкой, недалеко от станции поезда и автобусной остановки, в 1 мин. от основного проспекта города.

Its status as a traffic junction has made Piccadilly Circus a busy meeting place.

Jyväskylä is an important traffic junction, the administrative and cultural hub of central Finland and an industrial town (woodworking, metalworking), which is also noted for its trade fairs.

Ювяскюля — важный транспортный узел, административный и культурный центр центральной Финляндии и промышленный город (деревообработка, обработка металлов), который также известен своими ярмарками.

The creation of the Shaftesbury Avenue in 1885 turned the plaza into a busy traffic junction.

С созданием Шафтсбери-Авеню в 1885 площадь превратилась в загруженный транспортный узел.

Hostel Hostel is located in the city of Kramatorsk, in an area with a convenient traffic junction.

Хостел «Hostel House» расположен в городе Краматорск, в районе с удобной транспортной развязкой.

16-storey new building in the block of breeze near the Seaside Park and the city beach, near the traffic junction, which connects the city center and neighboring resort areas.

16-и этажная новостройка в квартале Бриз рядом с Приморским парком и городским пляжем, рядом с транспортной развязкой, которая соединяет центр города и соседние курортные зоны.

The bungalow is located in an excellent location, with a very convenient traffic junction: to Alicante 5-6 minutes by car, to the shopping center 6-7 minutes, walking distance there are food stores.

Бунгало расположено в отличном месте, с очень удобной транспортной развязкой: до Аликанте 5-6 минут автомобилем, до торгового центра 6-7 минут, в пешей доступности есть продовольственные магазины.

T-Hotel is an ideal hotel near Alexander Nevsky Square metro and located in the very center of St. Petersburg, near the most powerful traffic junction, popular infrastructure facilities.

T-Hotel — идеальная гостиница у метро Площадь Александра Невского, расположенная в самом центре Петербурга, вблизи мощнейшей транспортной развязки, популярных объектов инфраструктуры.

The town was an important traffic junction between Lake Balaton and Lake Velencei, several trade routes led from here to the Balkans and Italy, and to Buda and Vienna.

Город использовался долгое время как важный транспортный узел между озером Балатон и озером Веленс, несколько торговых путей вели до Балкан и Италии, а также в Буду и Вену.

Traffic Junction at the Right-Bank Ramp of Liteiny Bridge across the Neva River

Today we’ve opened the first phase of traffic junction, it would allow for a significant decrease of traffic density.

Сегодня мы открыли первый этап развязки, он уже позволит существенно снизить плотность движения.

Ничего не найдено для этого значения.

Результатов: 48. Точных совпадений: 48. Затраченное время: 71 мс

Documents

Корпоративные решения

Спряжение

Синонимы

Корректор

Справка и о нас

Индекс слова: 1-300, 301-600, 601-900

Индекс выражения: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200

Индекс фразы: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200

traffic noun

¹ vehicles travelling somewhere

ADJ. bad, busy, congested, heavy, thick | light | constant | fast, fast-flowing | slow-moving, sluggish | cycle, heavy goods vehicle, lorry, motor, road, vehicular, wheeled | foot, pedestrian | air, airline an air traffic controller | boat, maritime, river, sea | rail, railway | motorway | commercial, freight, goods, industrial, passenger | city, city-centre, local, town-centre, urban | international | commuter, tourist | rush-hour | holiday, summer | oncoming I stood waiting for a gap in the oncoming traffic. | through Through traffic is directed around the bypass. | northbound, southbound, etc. | one-way, two-way

QUANT. stream

VERB + TRAFFIC generate, increase Building larger roads could generate more traffic. | cut, reduce | slow down | block, hold up, obstruct, stop, tie up Traffic was held up for six hours by the motorway blockade. | direct | divert

TRAFFIC + VERB build up, thicken In the town centre, traffic was already building up as early as 3 p.m. | grow, increase Traffic has increased by 50% in ten years. | clog sth Traffic clogs the streets of the city centre. | thin Traffic thins noticeably after 9 a.m. | flow, move, speed, travel The road is being widened to keep traffic moving. | go by, pass | head We joined the traffic heading northwards on the motorway. | roar, rumble

TRAFFIC + NOUN accident | hazard Sheep are a traffic hazard in the hills. | chaos, congestion, disruption, delays, hold-ups, problems, queues | fumes, pollution | noise | flow, speed Widening the road would improve traffic flow. | levels, volume | calming, management, restraint, safety | sign, signal | laws, legislation, regulations | system | offence, violation | bollard, cone, island A traffic island at the junction separates left- and right-turning vehicles. | artery (formal), route | report, survey, update | cop, officer, police, policeman, warden | engineer, planner | duty a policeman on traffic duty

PHRASES the volume of traffic

² messages, signals, etc.

ADJ. radio, telephone | data, voice | network | Internet, Net, site, Web, website Our company will help you generate site traffic.

VERB + TRAFFIC boost, build, generate

³ illegal buying and selling of sth

ADJ. illegal | arms, drug

PREP. ~ in sth the traffic in arms

Traffic on roads may consist of pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using the public way for purposes of travel. Traffic laws are the laws which govern traffic and regulate vehicles, while rules of the road are both the laws and the informal rules that may have developed over time to facilitate the orderly and timely flow of traffic.

Organized traffic generally has well-established priorities, lanes, right-of-way, and traffic control at intersections.

Organization

Traffic is formally organized in many jurisdictions, with marked lanes, junctions, intersections, interchanges, traffic signals, or signs. Traffic is often classified by type: heavy motor vehicle (e.g., car, truck); other vehicle (e.g., moped, bicycle); and pedestrian. Different classes may share speed limits and easement, or may be segregated. Some jurisdictions may have very detailed and complex rules of the road while others rely more on drivers’ common sense and willingness to cooperate.

Organization typically produces a better combination of travel safety and efficiency. Events which disrupt the flow and may cause traffic to degenerate into a disorganized mess include: road construction, collisions and debris in the roadway. On particularly busy freeways, a minor disruption may persist in a phenomenon known as traffic waves. A complete breakdown of organization may result in traffic jams and gridlock. Simulations of organized traffic frequently involve queuing theory, stochastic processes and equations of mathematical physics applied to traffic flow.

Rules of the road

Rules of the road are the general practices and procedures that road users follow, especially motorists and cyclists. They govern interactions with other vehicles and pedestrians. The basic traffic rules are defined by an international treaty under the authority of the United Nations, the 1968 «Vienna Convention on Road Traffic». Not all countries are signatory to the convention and, even among signatories, local variations in practice may be found. Driving safely is usually easier if a driver can adapt to both written and unwritten local rules of the road.

As a general rule, drivers are expected to avoid hitting other vehicles and pedestrians, regardless of whether or not the applicable rules of the road allow them to be where they happen to be.

In addition to the rules applicable by default there are traffic signs, including traffic lights, and instructions may be given by a police officer, either routinely on a busy crossing instead of traffic lights, or as road traffic control around a construction zone, accident or other road disruption.

These rules should be distinguished from the mechanical procedures required to operate one’s vehicle. See driving.

Directionality

Traffic going in opposite directions should be separated in such a way that they do not block each other’s way. The most basic rule regarding this concept is which side of the road should be used for travel. About 34% of the world by country population drives on the left, and 66% keeps right.Fact|date=April 2008 By roadway miles, about 72% drive on the right.Fact|date=April 2008

Highway code

In many countries, the are codified, setting out the legal requirements and punishments for breaking them.

In the United Kingdom, the rules are set out in the Highway Code, including some obligations, but also a lot of other advice on how to drive sensibly and safely. For this second set of advice, it states: «Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under Traffic Acts to establish liability.» Many of its former colonies still retain this notice.

In the United States, traffic laws are regulated by the states and municipalities through their respective traffic code. The federal government’s Department of Transportation has some control over road signage and vehicle safety, and limited control over the Interstate highway system (which is actually built and maintained by the states). However, all state vehicle or traffic laws have common elements. These include the mandatory automobile insurance requirement, right-of-way rules, the basic speed rule (go only as fast as is safe under the circumstances up to the maximum posted speed limit), and the requirement to stop after an accident. The most common state-by-state variation is in maximum speed limits; for example, some states like Texas have speed limits as high as convert|80|mph, with convert|75|mph being more common, but Oregon has a maximum speed limit of convert|70|mph and Hawaii has a maximum of convert|60|mph.

peed limits

The higher the speed of a vehicle, the more difficult collision avoidance becomes and the greater the damage if a collision does occur. Therefore, many countries of the world limit the maximum speed allowed on their roads. Vehicles are not supposed to be driven at speeds which are higher than the posted maximum.

To enforce speed limits, two approaches are generally employed. In the United States, it is common for the police to patrol the streets and use special equipment (typically a radar unit) to measure the speed of vehicles, and pull over any vehicle found to be in violation of the speed limit. In Brazil and some European countries, there are computerized speed-measuring devices spread throughout the city, which will automatically detect speeding drivers and take a photograph of the license plate (or number plate), which is later used for applying and mailing the ticket. Many jurisdictions in the U.S. use this technology as well.

A mechanism that was developed in Germany is the Grüne Welle, or «green wave», which is an indicator that shows the optimal speed to travel for the synchronized green lights along that corridor. Driving faster or slower than the speed set by the behavior of the lights causes the driver to frequently encounter red lights. This discourages drivers from speeding or impeding the flow of traffic. See related traffic wave.

Priority (right of way)

[
roundabout in a country where traffic drives on the left. A roundabout is a type of road junction, or traffic calming device, at which traffic streams circularly around a central island after first yielding to the circulating traffic. Unlike with traffic circles, vehicles on a roundabout have priority over the entering vehicle, parking is not allowed and pedestrians are usually prohibited from the central island.] Vehicles often come into conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians because their intended courses of travel intersect, and thus interfere with each other’s routes. The general principle that establishes who has the right to go first is called «right of way», or «priority». It establishes who has the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who has to wait until the other does so.

Signs, signals, markings and other features are often used to make priority explicit. Some signs, such as the stop sign, are nearly universal. When there are no signs or markings, different rules are observed depending on the location. These default priority rules differ between countries, and may even vary within countries. Trends toward uniformity are exemplified at an international level by the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which prescribes standardized traffic control devices (signs, signals, and markings) for establishing the right of way where necessary.

In most of Continental Europe, the default rule is to give priority to the right, but this may be overridden by signs or road markings, and does not apply at T-shaped junctions in some of these countries, such as France. There, priority was initially given according to the social rank of each traveler, but early in the life of the automobile this rule was deemed impractical and replaced with the «priorité à droite» (priority to the right) rule, which still applies. At a traffic circle where «priorité à droite» is not overridden, traffic on what would otherwise be a roundabout gives way to traffic entering the circle. Most French roundabouts now have give-way signs for traffic entering the circle, but there remain some notable exceptions that operate on the old rule, such as the Place de l’Étoile around the Arc de Triomphe. Traffic at this intersection is so chaotic that French insurance companies deem any accident on the roundabout to be equal liability.Fact|date=September 2007 [Circling in on the Arc de Triomphe, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan 2007 http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/travel/columnists/rsteves/stories/012807dntrasteves.203eb08d.html] Priority to the right where used in continental Europe may be overridden by an ascending hierarchy of markings, signs, signals, and authorized persons.

In the United Kingdom, priority is always indicated by signs or markings, so that every junction between public roads (except those governed by traffic signals) has a concept of a major road and minor road. The default give-way-to-the-right rule used in Continental Europe causes problems for many British and Irish drivers who are accustomed to having right of way by default unless they are specifically told to give way.

Other countries use various methods similar to the above examples to establish the right of way on their roads. For example, in most of the United States, the default priority is to yield to traffic from the right, but this is usually overridden by traffic control devices or other rules, like the boulevard rule. This rule holds that traffic entering a major road from a smaller road or alley must yield to the traffic of the busier road, but signs are often still posted. The boulevard rule can be compared with the above concept of a major and minor road, or the priority roads that may be found in countries that are parties to the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals.

Crosswalks (or pedestrian crossings) are common in populated areas, and may indicate that pedestrians have priority over vehicular traffic. In most modern cities, the traffic signal is used to establish the right of way on the busy roads. Its primary purpose is to give each road a duration of time in which its traffic may use the intersection in an organized way. The intervals of time assigned for each road may be adjusted to take into account factors such as difference in volume of traffic, the needs of pedestrians, or other traffic signals. Pedestrian crossings may be located near other traffic control devices; if they are not also regulated in some way, vehicles must give priority to them when in use. Traffic on a public road usually has priority over other traffic such as traffic emerging from private access; rail crossings and drawbridges are typical exceptions.

Perpendicular intersections

Also known as a «four-way» intersection, this intersection is the most common configuration for roads that cross each other, and the most basic type. If signals do not control a 4-way intersection, signs or other features are typically used to control movements and make clear priorities. The most common arrangement is to indicate that one road has priority over the other, but there are complex cases where all traffic approaching an intersection must yield and may be required to stop.

In the United States, South Africa, and Canada, there are four-way intersections with a stop sign at every entrance, called four-way stops. In the United States and Canada a failed signal or a flashing red light is equivalent to a four-way stop, or an all-way stop. Special rules for all-way stops may include:
#In the countries that use four-way stops, pedestrians always have priority at crosswalks – even at unmarked ones, which exist as the logical continuations of the sidewalks at every intersection with approximately right angles – unless signed or painted otherwise.
#Whichever vehicle first stops at the stop line – or before the crosswalk, if there is no stop line – has priority.
#If two vehicles stop at the same time, priority is given to the vehicle on the right.
#If three vehicles stop at the same time, priority is given to the two vehicles going in opposite directions, if possible.
#If four vehicles stop, drivers usually use gestures and other communication to establish right-of-way.

In Europe and other places, there are similar intersections. These may be marked by special signs (according to the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals), a danger sign with a black X representing a crossroads. This sign informs drivers that the intersection is uncontrolled and that default rules apply. In Europe and in many areas of North America the default rules that apply at uncontrolled four-way intersections are almost identical:
#Rules for pedestrians differ by country, in the United States and Canada pedestrians generally have priority at such an intersection.
#All vehicles must give priority to any traffic approaching from their right,
#Then, if the vehicle is turning right or continuing on the same road it may proceed.
#Vehicles turning left must also give priority to traffic approaching from the opposite direction, unless that traffic is also turning left.
#If the intersection is congested, vehicles must alternate directions and/or circulate priority to the right one vehicle at a time.

Overtaking

Overtaking (or passing) refers to a maneuver that is in effect passing vehicles traveling in the same direction. On two-lane roads, when there is a split line or a dashed line on the side of the overtaker, drivers may overtake when it is safe. On multi-lane roads in most jurisdictions, overtaking is permitted in the «slower» lanes, though many require a special circumstance. See «Lanes» below.

In the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, notably on extra-urban roads, a solid white or yellow line closer to the driver is used to indicate that no overtaking is allowed in that lane. A double white or yellow line means that neither side may overtake.

Lanes

When a street is wide enough to accommodate several vehicles traveling side-by-side, it is usual for traffic to organize itself into lanes, that is, parallel corridors of traffic. Some roads have one lane for each direction of travel and others have multiple lanes for each direction. Most countries apply pavement markings to clearly indicate the limits of each lane and the direction of travel that it must be used for. In other countries lanes have no markings at all and drivers follow them mostly by intuition rather than visual stimulus.

On roads that have multiple lanes going in the same direction, drivers may usually shift amongst lanes as they please, but they must do so in a way that does not cause inconvenience to other drivers. Driving cultures vary greatly on the issue of «lane ownership»: in some countries, drivers traveling in a lane will be very protective of their right to travel in it while in others drivers will routinely expect other drivers to shift back and forth.

Designation and overtaking

The usual designation for lanes on divided highways is the fastest lane is the one closest to the center of the road, and the slowest to the edge of the road. Drivers are usually expected to keep in the slowest lane unless overtaking, though with more traffic congestion all lanes are often used.

When driving on the left:
*The lane designated for faster traffic is on the right.
*The lane designated for slower traffic is on the left.
*Most freeway exits are on the left.
*Overtaking is permitted to the right, and sometimes to the left.

When driving on the right:
*The lane designated for faster traffic is on the left.
*The lane designated for slower traffic is on the right.
*Most freeway exits are on the right.
*Overtaking is permitted to the left, and sometimes to the right.

Countries party to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic have uniform rules about overtaking and lane designation. The convention details (amongst other things) that «Every driver shall keep to the edge of the carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic», and the «Drivers overtaking shall do so on the side opposite to that appropriate to the direction of traffic», notwithstanding the presence or absence of oncoming traffic. Allowed exceptions to these rules include turning or heavy traffic, traffic in lines, or situation in which signs or markings must dictate otherwise. These rules must be more strictly adhered to on roads with oncoming traffic, but still apply on multi-lane and divided highways. Many countries in Europe are party to the Vienna Conventions on traffic and roads. In Australia (which is not a contracting party), traveling in any lane other than the «slow» lane with a speed limit at or above 80 km/h is a criminal offence, unless signage is posted to the contrary or the driver is overtaking.

Many areas in North America do not have any laws about staying to the slowest lanes unless overtaking. In those areas, unlike many parts of Europe, traffic is allowed to overtake on any side, even in a slower lane. This practice is known as «passing on the right» in the United States (where it is commonFact|date=October 2008) and «overtaking on the inside» and «undertaking» in the United Kingdom.In most countries, the inside lane refers to the fastest lane (the lane closest to the highway median), but in the United Kingdom, it refers to the slowest lane (the lane that is in fact outside).

U.S. state-specific practices

In some U.S. states such as in Louisiana, Massachusetts and New York, although there are laws requiring all traffic on a public way to use the right-most lane unless overtaking, this rule is often ignored and seldom enforced on multi-lane roadways. Some states, such as Colorado, use a combination of laws and signs restricting speeds or vehicles on certain lanes to emphasize overtaking only on the left lane, and to avoid a psychological condition commonly called road rage.

In California, cars may use any lane on multi-lane roadways. Drivers moving slower than the general flow of traffic are required to stay in the right-most lanes (by [http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate?WAISdocID=17177814200+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve California Vehicle Code (CVC) 21654] ) to keep the way clear for faster vehicles and thus speed up traffic. However, faster drivers may legally pass in the slower lanes if conditions allow (by [http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate?WAISdocID=17184214310+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve CVC 21754] ). But the CVC also requires trucks to stay in the right lane, or in the right two lanes if the roadway has four or more lanes going in their direction. The oldest freeways in California, and some freeway interchanges, often have ramps on the left, making signs like «TRUCKS OK ON LEFT LANE» or «TRUCKS MAY USE ALL LANES» necessary to override the default rule. Lane splitting, or riding motorcycles in the space between cars in traffic, is permitted as long as it is done in a safe and prudent manner. [cite web | url=http://www.whybike.com/motorcycle274.htm | last=WhyBike? | title=All the info you need on lanesharing (lanesplitting) | date=2006-03-06]

Expressways and freeways

:»Main articles: Expressway and Freeway»In large cities, moving from one part of the city to another by means of ordinary streets and avenues can be time-consuming since traffic is often slowed by at-grade junctions, tight turns, narrow marked lanes and lack of a minimum speed limit. Therefore, it has become common practice for larger cities to build expressways or freeways, which are large and wide roadways with limited access, that typically run for long distances without at-grade junctions.

The words «expressway» and «freeway» have varying meanings in different jurisdictions and in popular use in different places; however, there are two different types of roads used to provide high-speed access across urban areas:
*The freeway (in U.S. usage) or motorway in UK usage, is a divided multi-lane highway with fully-controlled access and grade-separated intersections (no cross traffic). Some freeways are called «expressways», «super-highways», or «turnpikes», depending on local usage. Access to freeways is fully controlled; entering and leaving the freeway is permitted only at grade-separated interchanges.
*The expressway (when the name does not refer to a freeway or motorway) is usually a broad multi-lane avenue, frequently divided, with some grade-level intersections (although usually only where other expressways or arterial roads cross).

Motor vehicle drivers wishing to travel over great distances within the city will usually take the freeways or expressways in order to minimize travel time. When a crossing road is at the same grade as the freeway, a bridge (or, less often, an underpass) will be built for the crossing road. If the freeway is elevated, the crossing road will pass underneath it.

Minimum speed signs are sometimes posted (although increasingly rare) and usually indicate that any vehicle traveling slower than 40 mph (~65 km/h) should indicate a slower speed of travel to other motor vehicles by engaging the vehicle’s four-way flashing lights. Alternative slower-than-posted speeds may be in effect, based on the posted speed limit of the highway/freeway.

Turning

Vehicles will often want to cease to travel a straight line and turn onto another road. The vehicle’s directional signals (blinkers) are often used as a way to announce one’s intention to turn, thus alerting other drivers. The actual usage of blinkers varies greatly amongst countries, although its purpose should be the same in all countries: to indicate a driver’s intention to depart from the current (and natural) flow of traffic well before the departure is executed (typically 3 seconds as a guideline).

This will usually mean that turning traffic will have to stop in order to wait for a breach to turn, and this might cause inconvenience for vehicles that follow them but do not want to turn. This is why dedicated lanes and protected traffic signals for turning are sometimes provided. On busier intersections where a protected lane would be ineffective or cannot be built, turning may be entirely prohibited, and drivers will be required to «drive around the block» in order to accomplish the turn. Many cities employ this tactic quite often; in San Francisco, due to its common practice, making three right turns is known colloquially as a «San Francisco left turn». Likewise, as many intersections in Taipei City are too busy to allow direct left turns, signs often direct drivers to drive around the block to turn.

Turning rules are by no means universal. In New Zealand for example, left turning traffic must give way to opposing ‘right turning’ traffic i.e. traffic turning into your path (unless there are multiple lanes to turn into). This rule often confuses tourists.Fact|date=October 2008

On roads with multiple lanes, turning traffic is generally expected to move to the lane closest to the direction they wish to turn. For example, traffic intending to turn right will usually move to the rightmost lane before the intersection. Likewise, left-turning two rightmost lanes will be of authority; for example, in Brazil and elsewhere it is common for drivers to observe (and trust) the turn signals used by other drivers in order to make turns from other lanes. For example if several vehicles on the right lane are all turning right, a vehicle may come from the next-to-right lane and turn right as well, doing so in parallel with the other right-turning vehicles.

One-way streets

In more sophisticated systems such as large cities, this concept is further extended: some streets are marked as being one-way, and on those streets all traffic must flow in only one direction, but pedestrians on the sidewalks are generally not limited to one-way movement. A driver wishing to reach a destination he already passed must use other streets in order to return. Usage of one-way streets, despite the inconveniences it can bring to individual drivers, can greatly improve traffic flow since they usually allow traffic to move faster and tend to simplify intersections.

Pedestrian crossings

Pedestrians must often cross from one side of a road to the other, and in doing so may come into the way of vehicles traveling on the road. In many places pedestrians are entirely left to look after themselves, that is, they must observe the road and cross when they can see that no traffic will threaten them. Busier cities usually provide pedestrian crossings, which are strips of the road where pedestrians are expected to cross.

The actual appearance of pedestrian crossings varies greatly, but the two most common appearances are: (1) a series of parallel white stripes or (2) two long horizontal white lines. The former is usually preferred, as it stands out more conspicuously against the dark pavement.

Some pedestrian crossings also accompany a traffic signal which will make vehicles stop at regular intervals so the pedestrians can cross. Some countries have «intelligent» pedestrian signals, where the pedestrian must push a button in order to assert his intention to cross. The traffic signal will use that information to schedule itself, that is, when no pedestrians are present the signal will never pointlessly cause vehicle traffic to stop.

Pedestrian crossings without traffic signals are also common. In this case, the traffic laws usually states that the pedestrian has the right of way when crossing, and that vehicles must stop when a pedestrian uses the crossing. Countries and driving cultures vary greatly as to the extent to which this is respected.

Some jurisdictions forbid crossing or using the road anywhere other than at crossings, termed «jaywalking». In other areas, pedestrians may have the right to cross where they choose, and have right of way over vehicular traffic while crossing.

In most areas, an intersection is considered to have a crosswalk, even if not painted, as long as the roads meet at approximate right angles. Examples of locations where this rule is not in effect are the United Kingdom and Croatia.

Level crossings

A level crossing is an at-grade intersection of a railway by a road. Because of safety issues, they are often equipped with closable gates, crossing bells and warning signs.

Rush hour

During business days in most major cities, traffic congestion reaches great intensity at predictable times of the day due to the large number of vehicles using the road at the same time. This phenomenon is called rush hour or peak hour, although the period of high traffic intensity may exceed one hour.

Rush hour policies

Some cities adopt policies to reduce rush-hour traffic and pollution and encourage the use of public transportation. For example, in São Paulo, ManilaFact|date=August 2008 and in Mexico City, each vehicle has a specific day of the week in which it is forbidden from traveling the roads during rush hour. The day for each vehicle is taken from the license plate number, and this rule is enforced by traffic police and also by hundreds of strategically positioned traffic cameras backed by computerized image-recognition systems that issue tickets to offending drivers.

In the United States and Canada, several expressways have a special lane (called an «HOV Lane» — High Occupancy Vehicle Lane) that can only be used by cars carrying two (some locations-three) or more people. Also, many major cities have instituted strict parking prohibitions during rush hour on major arterial streets leading to and from the central business district. During designated weekday hours, vehicles parked on these primary routes are subject to prompt ticketing and towing at owner expense. The purpose of these restrictions is to make available an additional traffic lane in order to maximize available traffic capacity. Additionally, several cities offer a public telephone service where citizens can arrange rides with others depending on where they live and work. The purpose of these policies is to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and thus reduce rush-hour traffic intensity.

Uncontrolled traffic

Uncontrolled traffic occurs in the absence of lane markings and traffic control signals. On roads without marked lanes, drivers tend to keep to the appropriate side if the road is wide enough. Drivers frequently overtake others. Obstructions are not uncommon.

Intersections have no signals or signage, and a particular road at a busy intersection may be dominant (that is, its traffic flows) until a break in traffic, at which time the dominance shifts to the other road where vehicles are queued. At the intersection of two perpendicular roads, a traffic jam may result if four vehicles face each other side-on.

Traffic pre-emption

In some areas, emergency responders are provided with specialized equipment which allows emergency response vehicles, particularly fire fighting apparatus, to have high-priority travel by having the lights along their route change to green. The technology behind these methods have evolved, from panels at the fire department (which could trigger and control green lights for certain major corridors) to optical systems (which the individual fire apparatus can be equipped with to communicate directly with receivers on the signal head). In other areas, public transport buses have special equipment to get green lights.

During emergencies where evacuation of a heavily populated area is required, local authorities may institute contraflow lane reversal, in which all lanes of a road lead away from a danger zone regardless of their original flow. Aside from emergencies, contraflow may also be used to ease traffic congestion during rush hour or at the end of a sports event (where a large number of cars are leaving the venue at the same time). For example, the six lanes of the Lincoln Tunnel can be changed from three in-bound and three out-bound to a two/four configuration depending on traffic volume. The Brazilian highways Rodovia dos Imigrantes and Rodovia Anchieta connect São Paulo to the Atlantic coast. Almost all lanes of both highways are usually reversed during weekends to allow for heavy seaside traffic. The reversibility of the highways requires many additional highway ramps and complicated interchanges.

Intelligent transportation systems

An intelligent transportation system (ITS) is a system of hardware, software, and operators that allow better monitoring and control of traffic in order to optimize traffic flow. As the number of vehicle lane miles traveled per year continues to increase dramatically, and as the number of vehicle lane miles constructed per year has not been keeping pace, this has led to ever-increasing traffic congestion. As a cost-effective solution toward optimizing traffic, ITS presents a number of technologies to reduce congestion by monitoring traffic flows through the use of sensors and live cameras or analysing cellular phone data travelling in cars (Floating Cellular Data) and in turn rerouting traffic as needed through the use of variable message boards (VMS), highway advisory radio, on board or off board navigation devices and other systems through integration of traffic data with navigation systems. Additionally, the roadway network has been increasingly fitted with additional communications and control infrastructure to allow traffic operations personnel to monitor weather conditions, for dispatching maintenance crews to perform snow or ice removal, as well as intelligent systems such as automated bridge de-icing systems which help to prevent accidents.

ee also

*Floating car data
*Institute of Transportation Engineers
*Line source
*Road safety
*Road transport
*
*Traffic psychology
*Transport
*Transportation forecasting

References

A junction, when discussed in the context of transport, is a location where traffic can change between different routes, directions, or sometimes modes, of travel.

The word «junction» derives from Latin iunctus, past participle of iungere, to join. The word «junction» in this context may also refer to:

Historically, many cities and market towns developed wherever there was a junction. A road intersection offered opportunities for rest or trade for travellers and merchants. Towns sprang up to accommodate this; the first such in Europe were probably at intersections of the Roman roads.

A similar effect came with the growth of rail transport; so-called railway towns grew up near major railway junctions – originally to accommodate railway workers, but expanding into fully functioning settlements over time.

There are many types of different junction for road transport and rail transport (including metro and rapid transit systems). If many of these are contained in a small area, and where passengers can change from one transport mode to the other in them, it is said to be a transport hub.

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