Traffic Flow Characteristics MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Space headway is the distance between the fronts of two following vehicles at one moment of time.

Formula

Space headway h_s = 1000 / k (m), where k = density (veh/km); Time headway h_t = 3600 / q (s), where q = flow (veh/h)

Step-by-step solution

1. The question asks for a distance between successive vehicles at one instant. 2. It is measured head to head (front to front). 3. Distance-based headway is called space headway. 4. So the answer is option A.

Explanation

Space headway is the distance from the front of one vehicle to the front of the next vehicle in the same lane at a given moment. Time headway is the time gap between two vehicles passing the same point. Since the question asks for distance, the answer is space headway.

Why the other options are wrong

B: Time headway is a time gap, not a distance. C: One-way stream is a traffic flow direction, not a spacing measure. D: Head-way stream is not a standard traffic term.

Shortcut

Distance = space headway; time = time headway.

Common mistake

Choosing time headway because both terms use the word headway.