The Highway Transportation System
A complex dance where over 280 million vehicles move in harmony... or chaos
The Three Essential Components Click each component to understand how they work together
PEOPLE
- • 240+ million licensed drivers
- • Pedestrians & cyclists
- • Passengers
- • Traffic officers
Most unpredictable element!
VEHICLES
- • 285+ million registered
- • Cars, trucks, buses
- • Motorcycles, bikes
- • Emergency vehicles
Powerful machines requiring respect!
ROADWAYS
- • 4.2 million miles of roads
- • Traffic signs & signals
- • Lane markings
- • Bridges & tunnels
The stable foundation!
MR. LAWSON:
"You've just discovered the three pillars of safe driving. People are unpredictable, vehicles are powerful, and roadways set the rules. Master how they interact, and you'll be a safer driver."
The System in Action
When all three work together = SAFETY
When one fails = CRASHES
Enumclaw's Unique HTS Challenges
Weather Impact
- • Valley fog reduces visibility to 10 feet
- • Black ice on Highway 410 and bridges
- • Heavy rain causes rural road flooding
- • Snow accumulation on mountain passes
Geography Challenges
- • Rural roads with no shoulders
- • Wildlife crossings (deer and elk)
- • Farm equipment sharing roads
- • Limited cell service areas
Your Role: Be the most responsible part of the HTS!
Statistics: FHWA Highway Statistics 2023