One Driver Can Prevent a Traffic Jam
by: Sue Shallenbarger
Oct 12, 2016
Click here to view the full article on WSJ.com
Click here to view the video on WSJ.com
by: Sue Shallenbarger
Oct 12, 2016
Click here to view the full article on WSJ.com
Click here to view the video on WSJ.com
TOPICS: Game Theory
SUMMARY: Proponents advise jam-busting techniques, such as preventing bottlenecks, letting others cut in.
CLASSROOM APPLICATION: Students can evaluate whether drivers in heavy traffic are playing a prisoner's dilemma. If so, they can explain driving behavior that makes everyone driving in heavy traffic worse off.
QUESTIONS:
1. (Advanced) Evaluate the following statement as a cause of traffic congestion: "Selfishness takes hold, and people don't necessarily think much about the common good."
2. (Advanced) What is the prisoner's dilemma? Are drivers in heavy traffic playing a prisoner's dilemma? Each driver does strictly better leaving no gap in front of him or her. However, collectively drivers do better if everyone leaves a gap.
3. (Introductory) Why is a driver leaving a gap in front of his or her car analogous to a person holding a door for others?
1. (Advanced) Evaluate the following statement as a cause of traffic congestion: "Selfishness takes hold, and people don't necessarily think much about the common good."
2. (Advanced) What is the prisoner's dilemma? Are drivers in heavy traffic playing a prisoner's dilemma? Each driver does strictly better leaving no gap in front of him or her. However, collectively drivers do better if everyone leaves a gap.
3. (Introductory) Why is a driver leaving a gap in front of his or her car analogous to a person holding a door for others?
Reviewed By: James Dearden, Lehigh University
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