Why do radio traffic reports tell you roads not to take, but then never offer alternate routes ?

Question

Why do radio traffic reports tell you roads not to take, but then never offer alternate routes ?

Answer 1

Because there are no alternative routes, and if there were, then everyone would take them and they'd get congested too.

Answer 2

WBAL-AM in Baltimore, MD always suggests the Francis Scott Key Bridge as an alternate route to the I-95 and I-895 Harbor tunnels which back up notoriously on Friday Afternoons.  I-695 going counter clockwise is much faster than I-695 going clockwise and gets people to I-95 North of Baltimore much faster.

Many radio stations have little or no time to offer alternate routes in an age where GPS systems are being installed left and right.  The GPS should recommend alternate routes rather than a human.

Answer 3

The limited time dedicated by radio station programming managers to traffic reports pretty much requires them to focus on problem areas and leave it to the driver to negotiate routes around.  Also consider if the announcer suggests a route that looks clear from a helicopter, everyone will madly dash to get through that way and will cause another backup.

That being said, many of the cities I've lived in have radio stations whose traffic reports allow for suggested alternate routes.

Answer 4

thats a d**n good question...i would like to know the answer to that as well....