Researchers are studying sheep to learn more about human traffic jams
Digital Reporter
Wednesday, February 25, 2015, 6:26 PM - It turns out we have more in common with sheep than we'd like to think. A team of Spanish researchers are studying the way the animals move in hopes of mitigating the risks of human traffic jams.
The team videotaped flocks of sheep walking through a barn door for food.
The animals rushed the door, creating a bottleneck that slowed traffic.
While widening the door reduced the effect, placing an obstacle in front of it was even more effective, as demonstrated in the video above.
Researchers say their success could be applied to better management of human crowds.
The findings could have positive implications for disaster management, given the fact that tornadoes, flash floods and earthquakes can spur dangerous stampedes and traffic jams as people attempt to flee.
RELATED VIDEO: A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRAFFIC DELAY:
