Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

What term describes the general speed and direction of vehicle or pedestrian movement?

1. Traffic density

2. Traffic flow

3. Traffic pattern

4. Traffic control

The correct answer is: Traffic flow

The term that accurately describes the general speed and direction of vehicle or pedestrian movement is traffic flow. Traffic flow refers to the movement of vehicles and pedestrians along roadways and pathways, focusing on aspects such as speed, density, and the overall behavior of traffic in a given area. Understanding traffic flow is essential for traffic engineers and law enforcement, as it helps in managing road safety and improving transportation systems. Traffic density, while closely related, specifically addresses the number of vehicles within a particular length of roadway, not their movement characteristics. Traffic pattern refers to established routes or trends in how vehicles or pedestrians typically travel, which can inform expectations but does not directly convey the speed and direction as traffic flow does. Traffic control encompasses the strategies and measures employed to regulate traffic, such as signs and signals, rather than describing the movements themselves.