[confluence]

Smooth flow doesn't get you there any faster than highly variant turbulent flow. This is obvious. Now given that there will be little difference in overall throughput would you rather a) have a relaxing smooth drive or b) a stressful highly variant aggressive drive? The answer should be a, because the increased of risk of a fatal crash vs. the miniscule return of a few car lengths is not worth the effort you put in.

You can verify this yourself. Drive as smooth as possible. Smoothly accelerate and decelerate. Leave large gaps. Try to use both your accelerator and brakes as little as possible. Now observe aggressive drivers and memorize their car's make, model and license plate. Observe the amount of risk and effort they undertake to get ahead. Then observe them only getting about 5-10 car lengths for their trouble. Finally observe them stopped behind you two traffic lights down.

Laminar flow = turbulent flow, but laminar is so much better.

This is besides the fact that laminar flow reduces traffic waves, reducing the variance for all those behind you, leading to a reduced risk of death and injury for everyone in your lane. My driving style has probably saved a life, or two.