opposing traffic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opposing traffic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe vehicles or individuals moving in the opposite direction to the flow of traffic on a road or highway. Example: "The driver was pulled over for driving against opposing traffic on the busy highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

■ Use high beams when there is no opposing traffic; scan for animals' illuminated eyes or dark silhouettes alongside the road.

The New York Times

The department will erect a concrete barrier to separate the opposing traffic and will narrow the curve to one lane from two.

The New York Times

A cop, apparently objecting to the fact that Schembri had driven into the opposing traffic lane in order to do this, stopped his own car alongside the Fortwo and gave Schembri a meaningful look.

The New Yorker

In road traffic, intersections with traffic lights (i.e., green, amber, and red indications) will often add a separate lane with a lighted green arrow to allow left turns with no opposing traffic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the best part of three decades, such common-sense rules were observed by everyone, so we could all benefit from the potentially hazardous routing of opposing traffic flows through a narrow tunnel without unacceptable risk.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tripolitans seem to think that traffic lights are just festive bits of colored glass strewn randomly along the roads, and they rebel against tightly regulated lives by ignoring all driving rules, blithely heading into opposing traffic on the far side of a two-way road, turning abruptly across five lanes of streaming cars.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Mr. Gantt, the chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, had long opposed traffic cameras as too intrusive, yet he introduced a bill that would allow cities and towns across the state to install them and require the kind of technology that CMA sells.

The New York Times

Residents have opposed traffic-clogged streets and other threats they saw in more grandiose proposals.

The New York Times

Left-turning traffic colliding with opposing through traffic and with near-side through traffic are the two most frequently occurring conflicting patterns among left-turn crashes (Patterns 5 and 8 in the paper, respectively), and they are prone to be severe.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

For example, opposing through traffic and near-side crossing through traffic in the hour of collision were identified significant for Patterns 5 and 8 crash injuries, respectively.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

He said that over the last decade, the company had delivered 20bn free clicks to rival price comparison sites, with free traffic – as opposed to traffic acquired by paying for adverts on Google – increasing by 227%.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about road safety, clearly specify the direction of "opposing traffic" to avoid ambiguity. For example, use "watch out for opposing traffic on the left" instead of just "watch out for opposing traffic".

Common error

Do not assume the reader knows which side the "opposing traffic" is on, particularly in regions with different driving conventions. Always clarify the direction (left or right) or use descriptive phrases like "traffic coming from the opposite direction" to minimize potential misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opposing traffic" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or verb to describe vehicles moving in the opposite direction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opposing traffic" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe vehicles moving in opposite directions on a roadway. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used across various contexts, including news reports, scientific studies, and general informational content. While alternatives like "oncoming traffic" exist, the key is to ensure clarity and specify direction when discussing this concept. Remember to provide enough context to minimize ambiguity and enhance reader understanding, as the goal is to inform or warn about potential hazards in driving situations. The frequency of usage indicates its relevance in both formal and informal settings, solidifying its position as a versatile and reliable phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oncoming traffic

Focuses on the aspect of traffic approaching from the opposite direction.

opposite direction traffic

Highlights the directional difference in traffic flow.

traffic from the other direction

Emphasizes the origin point of the traffic flow.

traffic in the opposite lane

Specifies the lane where the counter-directional traffic is located.

counter-directional traffic

Uses a more technical term to describe traffic moving against the primary flow.

approaching vehicles

Highlights the vehicles that are coming closer, often implying a potential hazard.

oncoming vehicles

Focuses on the vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.

vehicles from the opposite direction

Specifies the directional origin of the vehicles.

opposing flow of vehicles

Emphasizes the movement and direction of vehicles.

traffic headed in the other direction

Focuses on the destination of the traffic flow.

FAQs

How is "opposing traffic" typically used in sentences?

The phrase "opposing traffic" is used to describe vehicles moving in the opposite direction on a road. For example, "The driver swerved to avoid "oncoming traffic"" or "Rumble strips alert drivers when they drift into lanes with "counter-directional traffic"".

What are some alternatives to "opposing traffic"?

Alternatives include "oncoming traffic", "traffic from the other direction", or "traffic in the opposite lane". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "opposing traffic flow"?

While "flow" is often implied with "traffic", using "opposing traffic flow" can add emphasis or clarity, particularly in technical or formal writing. However, in most cases, "opposing traffic" is sufficient.

What safety precautions should I take when encountering "opposing traffic"?

Always stay in your lane, avoid distractions, and be prepared to react to unexpected movements from "approaching vehicles". Oncoming cars pose a higher risk.