Traffic: Why We Drive The Way We Do (and What It Says About Us)

3.5 stars

This book looks at traffic theory and science. Although I don't have a car, I found it quite interesting. He did talk a little bit about pedestrians and cyclists as part of traffic, as well. He mentions a lot of very interesting studies and statistics. It seems there are some things about traffic, especially in regards to safety and fatalities that are quite opposite of what one would think. Very interesting.

I thought I was going to really like this book given the fascinating everyday and global subject matter. It irked me that the end notes were so extensive, the author should have just included the additional information within the book's chapers. Still enjoyed the insights into human behaviour and how it interacts with traffic phenomenon.

Absolutely essential reading. In Malcolm Gladwell's 'Blink!', he exposes how we think about thinking. In 'Traffic: Why we drive the way we do (and what it says about us)" Tom Vanderbilt exposes how and why we do things on the road and in our cars. Interesting concepts from 'why more dangerous roads our safer', to explaining why the 'other lane always seems to move faster', Traffic, is a must read. For anyone that wants to grasp the complex idea of the human element on the road - I suggest 'Traffic' is the book for you.

This is an important book for drivers & non-drivers alike. For all of us who live in a world increasingly filled with congestion, traffic fatalities and stupid drivers this really is essential reading.

When I heard a review from a publishing company about the book it sounded really interesting. But when I started to read it; it was boring and it didn't make me feel like reading it so I stopped.