In 1965, the United States passed the Highway Beautification Act, championed by Lady Bird Johnson. The goal was to limit billboards and plant wildflowers along the interstates. While this seems like a purely aesthetic move, it has a profound impact on "traffic psychology."
"Roadside friction"—the presence of trees, landscapes, and tidy surroundings—actually reduces driver stress and fatigue. A monotonous, billboard-scarred highway leads to "highway hypnosis," where the brain checks out due to lack of stimulation. By making our roads beautiful, we aren't just decorating the commute; we are keeping drivers mentally engaged and emotionally regulated. A pleasant view is a safety feature that requires no electricity
No comments:
Post a Comment