Why would you rather be stuck in traffic for 2 hours at high speed than choose a smooth national highway?
When planning a long distance or holiday trip, many drivers prefer to use highways, even if they are stuck in traffic. In contrast, national highways tend to be smoother, but the number of people choosing is relatively small. Here are a few core factors that explain the logic behind this choice:
1.Time Efficiency:
Highways are designed for higher speeds, usually with a speed limit of 120 km/h, which allows this speed to be reached quickly on non-congested sections, thus increasing the overall average speed.
Despite the possibility of facing brief traffic jams, the overall travel time on highways tends to be shorter than on national highways.
The speed limit on national highways is low, and due to the complex and variable road conditions, the actual speed may be much lower than the speed limit.
2.Road Conditions & Safety:
The highway is a closed road, with no traffic lights and pedestrian interference, which relatively reduces the uncertainty and risk in driving.
The large number of national road crossings, frequent traffic lights, and the crossing of pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles all increase the complexity of driving and potential safety hazards.
3.Violation Risk:
When driving on the highway, as long as you follow the basic rules, such as not speeding and not taking the emergency lane, the risk of violation is relatively low.
Driving on national highways requires more attention, such as waiting for red lights, yielding to pedestrians, etc., and the lack of uniformity in speed limits also increases the risk of speeding.
4.Driving Experience & Comfort:
Highway roads generally have better road surface quality, smooth driving and less noise, providing a more comfortable travel environment for drivers and passengers.
The service areas on the highway are fully equipped and provide the necessary convenience for resting, shopping, and refueling for long drives.
Although highways may face the risk of traffic congestion, they are often preferred for long-distance travel due to their advantages in terms of time efficiency, road safety, risk of violations, and driving experience. Of course, for short trips or specific situations (such as severe congestion on highways), national highways may be more appropriate. Before setting off, drivers are advised to take into account various factors and choose the most suitable route.