Why isn't it as bad in the morning? What is the cause of the extra traffic during the evening rush hour?
Chris Bushara
Arlington
I think your evening commute is worse because you are heading toward the construction project at the Beltway and the Dulles Toll Road, where ramps are being widened and work is slowing traffic.
You don't encounter that in the morning because you are heading away from it.
That project is vital to ease congestion at that location. I believe it is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
Parking Practices
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
Have you noticed a growing trend of drivers backing vehicles into "head-in" parking spaces?
Police and military vehicles are parked that way to allow a quick response to a crisis. Criminals often park that way to facilitate a hasty departure before the police arrive. There is simply no reason for anyone else to park in that fashion.
Head-in parking is safer and practical. When you are heading into a narrow space, you can see more clearly while your vehicle is moving forward.
Backing out of a parking space is also more safe, because one is backing into a larger, open area with more visibility. Backing into a narrow space endangers the vehicles on either side.
K.J. Dolney
Alexandria
You're right; you can see more clearly when driving forward, which is why some drivers back into a parking spot and pull forward to reenter moving traffic. With SUVs and vans blocking the view of some exiting drivers, it should be safer to inch into an aisle while pulling forward.
Best is to find a tandem, empty pair of parking places that one can pull through to be able to exit front first.
Transportation researcher Diane Mattingly contributed to this column.
Dr. Gridlock appears Thursday in Extra and Sunday in the Metro section. You can write to Dr. Gridlock at 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071. He prefers to receive e-mail, at drgridlock@washpost.com, or faxes, at 703-352-3908. Include your full name, town, county and day and evening telephone numbers.
