What is the accordion effect and how to avoid it on the road, according to the DGT

When it’s time to move with the car again after braking at a stop or traffic light, the times shoot up, but there are ways to avoid it.

On the road there are some situations that are universal because they affect all drivers at some time. For example, when there is a traffic jam and you see the vehicles starting to move again, but between each other seconds are added, more and more to everyone’s despair. That’s the accordion effect.

The comparison with the musical instrument is obvious and can be seen with the eye: the vehicles arrive and hit each other, but then at boot each one takes one or several extra seconds.

According to DGT, just as long as there is a second between each vehicle, for example, “in a line of 2,000 cars –which is 12 to 16 kilometers long–, the last vehicle it would take up to 30 minutes to boot up“. Situation that can occur in some moments.

It is evident that in order for this not to happen, we must pay attention to the road in order not to waste time, but in the DGT they have gathered a series of councils that can ease the wait.

The first thing they recommend is to be aware of what is happening and look at the situation as far away as possible, not just with the vehicle in front of you.

If you are approaching a line of stopped vehicles, do not wait until the last moment to brake, but slow down gradually and with small brake touches so that other drivers are also aware of the situation.

Losing momentum slowly helps no speed disparity with other vehicles. Sometimes these lines of stopped cars are only like that for a few seconds, so it may not be necessary to stop completely.

Definitely, There are no miracles to avoid this accordion effect, but there are some easy tips to follow that might be helpful.