3 ms·
By now designing and mass producing the smart traffic light should be possible for not too much extra beyond the cost of the dumb traffic light. A smart traffic
by Maursault 4y ago
By now designing and mass producing the smart traffic light should be possible for not too much extra beyond the cost of the dumb traffic light. A smart traffic light system could effectively eliminate most traffic. A traffic light that is aware of oncoming traffic or the absence of it will remove the annoying instances of being stopped at a traffic light when there is no cross traffic, or of remaining on a timed green waiting for traffic that isn't there. Some cars nearly drive themselves now. Everything has a computer in it, why not traffic lights and intersections? Why hasn't traffic light technology advanced beyond timers and switches in the road? They need to have eyes and decent logic built into them. Imagine the fuel/cost/carbon savings alone if we had these things widely installed 20 years ago.
- throwaway894345 4y agoSimple things fail less often, require less maintenance, and are less likely to be hacked. I'm not saying these concerns are the most important, but they deserve consideration.
- fl0wenol 4y agoThese exist in many different generations (sensor-based traffic control devices) but as there are state and/or local certifications each solution and implementation must meet to be deployed, plus the additional cost of installing and periodically calibrating sensors, they are not warranted unless the situation calls for it. The inconvenience of waiting an extra minute at a minor cross-street doesn't usually cut it. If you live where there is a light that causes disruption or accidents because it needs sensors based on the traffic flows nearby, you should bring it to the attention of your local government. At the very least you could get them to do a study on it.