Question

Motorists in a certain country frequently complain that traffic congestion is much worse now than it was 20 years ago. No real measure of how much traffic congestion there was 20 years ago exists, but the motorists’ complaints are almost certainly unwarranted. The country’s highway capacity has tripled in the last twenty years, thanks to a vigorous highway construction program, whereas the number of automobiles registered in the country has increased by only 75 percent.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

• A. Most automobile travel is local, and the networks of roads and streets in the country’s settled areas have changed little over the last 20 years.
• B. Gasoline prices are high, and miles traveled per car per year have not changed much over the last 20 years.
• C. The country’s urban centers have well-developed public transit systems that carry most of the people who commute into those centers.
• D. The average age of automobiles registered in the country is lower now than it was 20 years ago.
• E. Radio stations have long been broadcasting regular traffic reports that inform motorists about traffic congestion.

Hint:

When evaluating arguments about changes in infrastructure, consider whether the changes directly address the problem at hand.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the argument.
The argument claims that despite the increase in highway capacity, motorists’ complaints about congestion are unwarranted. However, the local nature of traffic and unchanged roads could suggest that congestion has not been alleviated by the construction program.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) This is the correct answer. If most travel is local and roads in settled areas have not changed, the expansion of highway capacity may not have addressed congestion in urban areas.
- (B) While high gasoline prices might limit travel, it doesn’t address the underlying issue of congestion.
- (C) Public transit might reduce the number of cars, but it doesn’t directly challenge the claim about traffic congestion.
- (D) The age of automobiles does not directly address the issue of traffic congestion or its relationship to highway capacity.
- (E) Traffic reports do not reduce congestion; they only provide information about it.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A), as it directly challenges the assumption that increased highway capacity addresses traffic congestion in urban areas.