Controlling traffic is a complex and high cost problem in many developed countries. It becomes more difficult and costly with the ever-increasing number of cars on the roads. But scientists and students at the Center for Advanced Transportation Technology, or CATT, at the University of Maryland are working to solve this problem. They are using simulation(模拟) technologies to help government and private business control and react to changing traffic conditions.

    The online economics magazine Forbes.com says traffic blocking cost Americans $124 billion in 2014. It says that number could rise to $186 billion by 2030.

    But scientists at the CATT laboratory are trying to reduce those costs. They are developing a system that helps traffic managers, planners, emergency workers and businesses plan and react better. Michael Pack is CATT director. He says the system is important to help emergency workers, or first responders, reach an accident area faster.

    The CATT Lab collects information from many sources, including roadside devices, GPS - or global positioning system - equipment and wireless phones.

    About 60 students and 30 software developers observe traffic flow and manage the computer servers at all times. They also work to develop software and applications that can help traffic run smoother and safer. Some of them turn the information gathered into so-called "visualizations(可视化)." These visual representations help emergency workers better understand what is happening.

    The center shares its findings with firefighters, police, transportation departments and the military. They also share information with universities and transportation companies. The technology company Google uses the data for its traffic-related websites. Michael Pack says the information is then shared with anyone who wants to help traffic run more smoothly.

    Mr. Pack says the goal is to help develop an intelligent system of road signals that will communicate with each other and with vehicles on the road.    

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1.What makes controlling traffic become more difficult and costly?

A The complexity of controlling traffic.

B The high cost of controlling traffic.

C The ever-increasing number of cars.

D Using simulation technologies.

解析：选C。C。细节理解题。由第一段可知，是日益增长的汽车数量使交通控制更难，耗资更大（C选项）。

2.The scientists and students at CATT are trying to help the government to_____________.

A save money

B solve the traffic problem

C control traffic

D reduce traffic

解析：选B。B。推理判断题。他们所做的是要帮助政府解决交通的难题，而不是单纯的节约钱（A选项），控制交通（C选项）和减少交通（D选项）。

3.If the CATT’s system is put in use, the traffic will___________.

A cost more

B run faster

C make more money

D plan and react better

解析：选B。B。推理判断题。由第三段可知，.如果这个系统投入营运，可以使各方面人员更好的计划和应对，从而使得交通更顺畅。

4.What are the scientists and students at CATT trying to do?

A To develop software and applications.

B To collect traffic information.

C To turn the information into visualizations.

D To help emergency workers.

解析：选A。A。细节理解题。他们在实验室的研究目的是开发一套智能交通指挥的应用软件。

5.How will the intelligent system of road signals work?

A By sharing information.

B By communicating with each other.

C By using data on websites.

D By helping traffic run more smoothly.

解析：选B。B。细节理解题。由最后一段可知，这一套智能交通指挥系统是让道路标志与交通车辆之间可以进行信息交流，从而让交通更顺畅。