All visuals, Information graphics Why do freeways come to a stop? Stephen Beard December 17, 2019 Illustrated diagram explains traffic phenomenon of traffic slow-downs on freeways. As part of a series for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, this graphic explains the “Shockwave,” a traffic phenomenon in which one small action on a busy highway can compound into a traffic backup a long distance behind the initial incident. Share this...FacebookTwitterLinkedin