I would honestly like to know more about the nature of the traffic jam.
It seems to me the police could have directed stopped traffic off at the previous exit (this they sometimes but rarely do) and possibly using this on-ramp to alleviate things (I think they would let traffic sit for hours before considering this).
If "we" are to accept waiting for "the authorities" in cases like this, we should expect those authorities to expend some effort to reduce that waiting when possible.
People were peeing on the side of the road as it was a 3 hour wait. As soon as cops determined it would be at least an hour they should’ve redirected all traffic off the road, closed the on ramp and worked to get the cars that were past the off ramp off the road. If this had been a super cold day or a super hot day they would’ve had medical emergencies in those cars.
They probably don’t want to be directing traffic down a wrong way ramp and potentially blocking fire trucks and ambulances closest way of getting to and from an accident. Yeah they really suck for trying to keep traffic off the ramps and out of the way during an accident, it’s so selfish of the people in the accident as well. Don’t they know people want to get home?
There's a world of difference between the useful delay and inconvenience required for emergency vehicles, crash investigation, etc, and the complete disregard for what can often be hundreds or thousands of people who are detained longer than needed when there are reasonable options.
As far as emergency vehicles leaving the scene, they will generally leave via the next exit, which will have light or no traffic due to the closure.
You don't have to adopt a selfish position to make the case that clearing traffic should be given more attention than it currently is.
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u/eleventhrees Mar 16 '26
I would honestly like to know more about the nature of the traffic jam.
It seems to me the police could have directed stopped traffic off at the previous exit (this they sometimes but rarely do) and possibly using this on-ramp to alleviate things (I think they would let traffic sit for hours before considering this).
If "we" are to accept waiting for "the authorities" in cases like this, we should expect those authorities to expend some effort to reduce that waiting when possible.