Safety and Efficiency Analysis
- Mixed commercial-passenger traffic creates inherent safety risks
- Vehicle type separation reduces collision severity
- Dedicated lanes eliminate congestion-causing interactions
- Predictable traffic patterns improve emergency response
Mixed traffic highways where commercial vehicles share lanes with passenger vehicles create predictable safety and efficiency challenges. Traffic separation addresses these issues systematically.
Safety Challenges in Mixed Traffic
| Challenge | Risk Factor |
|---|---|
| Mass Differential | Severe injury outcomes in car-truck collisions |
| Visibility Limitations | Commercial vehicle blind spots obscure smaller vehicles |
| Braking Distances | Loaded trucks require 40% longer stopping distances |
| Operating Differences | Different acceleration/deceleration profiles create conflicts |
How Separation Improves Safety
Dedicated commercial vehicle lanes address safety concerns through systematic traffic organization:
- Reduced Interaction: Fewer lane changes between vehicle types eliminate common collision scenarios
- Predictable Patterns: Drivers know which vehicles will be in adjacent lanes
- Emergency Access: Predictable traffic organization improves emergency vehicle navigation
- Weather Safety: Different vehicle types don't compete for traction in winter conditions
Congestion Mechanisms in Mixed Traffic
Several factors cause congestion when commercial and passenger vehicles share lanes:
- Cascade Braking: When trucks decelerate, following vehicles brake harder, creating chain reaction slowdowns
- Merge Disruption: Commercial vehicles entering traffic create gaps that propagate congestion
- Grade Effects: Truck deceleration on inclines backs up following traffic
- Passing Behaviour: Lane changes to pass slower trucks increase congestion
Traffic Flow Improvements
Dedicated lanes enable both vehicle types to maintain consistent operating speeds. Passenger vehicles no longer adjust continuously for commercial traffic, while trucks maintain steady speeds optimized for fuel efficiency. The result is predictable travel times and reduced driver stress across Alberta's highway network.