Skip to main content

What is phantom traffic and why is it ruining your life? - Benjamin Seibold

564,374 Views

5,737 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

You’re cruising down the highway when all of a sudden endless rows of brake lights appear ahead. There’s no accident, no stoplight, no change in speed limit, or narrowing of the road. So why is there so much traffic? It's due to a phenomenon called a phantom traffic jam. Benjamin Seibold explains why it happens and how we might prevent it in the future.

Which of the following aspects does not contribute to the formation of phantom traffic jams?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Benjamin Seibold
  • Director Cris Wiegandt
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Storyboard Artist Cris Wiegandt
  • Art Director Cris Wiegandt
  • 2D Animation Cris Wiegandt
  • 3D Animation Saulo Jamariqueli
  • Sound Designer André Aires
  • Music André Aires
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Fact-Checker Eden Girma

More from Troubleshooting the World