Is there an error? fewer cars on the road means less traffic.

the narrator closes the lantern tightly so the old man is

not awakened by the bright light

explanation:

from the political point of view it could be said that the candidate   is an effective speaker because she takes a strong position on the issue. it is an open discussion but probably she is making a presentation and can choose which subjects she wants to address. she is very likely to attain her aim which is to convince voters to accept her proposal.