HOV lanes are reserved for buses, vans, and carpools on multi-lane highways to increase traffic efficiency and reward people who carpool or use public transportation. They are enforced during peak travel times and are considered a great idea to combat congestion and rising fuel costs. Laws about who can drive in an HOV lane vary, and they are generally only designated during set hours. Citizens are encouraged to carpool and use public transportation, and some regions have launched ad campaigns referencing the ability to drive in the HOV lane for carpoolers and buses.
High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are specialized lanes reserved on multi-lane highways for use by buses, vans, and carpools. They are common in many areas with congested freeways, and work to increase traffic efficiency and reward people who carpool or use public transportation. Some critics believe that HOV lanes contribute to traffic congestion, but studies suggest that opening HOV lanes to general use would actually increase congestion. With congestion increasing in many major areas along with rising fuel costs, HOV lanes are generally considered a great idea.
Various names are used to refer to an HOV lane, depending on the location. Many states designate it as a “carpool lane,” or even more commonly as a “diamond lane,” in reference to the white diamonds used to mark HOV lanes in many areas. In all cases, the lane is clearly separated from traffic, usually with the use of a solid white line and sometimes also with a divider. In some regions, HOV lanes are even elevated above regular traffic, or routed around areas of particularly infamous congestion.
Laws about who can drive in an HOV lane vary. Generally, a carpool must have two or more people. Buses are always allowed, along with carpool vans. In some areas, people who drive hybrid cars or cars that use alternative fuels can also use the HOV lanes, as long as they affix special stickers to their cars. HOV lanes are supposed to be enforced by traffic police, but the police are often busy with speeding violations and other traffic issues. As a result, many commuters use HOV lanes illegally, despite the substantial fee that usually accompanies violations.
In general, HOV lanes are only designated during set hours. Outside of these peak travel times, anyone can use the HOV lane. By restricting traffic during peak travel, traffic engineers can ensure buses stay on time, even when dealing with congested highways. Traffic engineers also believe that HOV lanes are a model of efficiency, carrying more people per vehicle than other lanes. Therefore, even though an HOV lane may appear stretched out, more people travel in it per mile than in other lanes. Also, an HOV lane is much safer to drive in, since a greater following distance is generally allowed between vehicles.
In cities with severe traffic problems, citizens are encouraged to carpool and use public transportation. Some enterprising areas have even launched ad campaigns referencing the ability to drive in the HOV lane for carpoolers and buses. Often, a region’s public transportation authority has a website that also includes information on local rideshares, so travelers can get hooked on trips around the region.
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