The Phantom Traffic Phenomenon: Apparent Congestion on Toll Roads Without Cause

JAKARTA – When passing through toll roads, drivers often encounter congestion that feels odd. Traffic suddenly slows without any clear cause, such as accidents or stalled vehicles. This condition generally occurs due to inconsistent driving behaviour.

Training Director of Jakarta Defensive Driving Consulting (JDDC), Jusri Pulubuhu, explained that phantom traffic actually contradicts the purpose of toll roads, which are designed to maintain smooth vehicle flow.

“Phantom traffic is a traffic behaviour that actually impedes the very purpose of toll roads. This kind of congestion can occur even when the road appears clear, without any physical obstruction ahead,” said Jusri when contacted by Kompas.com recently.

Furthermore, Jusri explained that this congestion usually starts from a small matter that then triggers a chain effect on the vehicles behind it.

“Therefore, maintaining a steady speed, avoiding unnecessary braking, and keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front are key to preventing this phenomenon,” Jusri stated.

His explanation, Jusri revealed, is that if one car is travelling at around 80 km/h, the vehicle behind it might only manage 70 km/h.

Subsequently, the vehicle behind that will travel even slower, and this condition continues to the next vehicle.

As a result, if the vehicle in front frequently brakes suddenly and the driver behind does not maintain a safe distance, the rearmost vehicle can slow down drastically or even stop.