I've seen this previously as well, and unfortunately it only seems to make a good story and doesn't seem to be actually measurably true. According to http://en.

I've seen this previously as well, and unfortunately it only seems to make a good story and doesn't seem to be actually measurably true. According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_traffic-related_death_rate http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_traffic-re..., Vietnam has 63 fatalities for 100,000 vehicles compared to the US's 13. When you consider the numbers across countries, they show that traffic lights do work in reducing fatalities - and the developing world has a huge problem with motor related incidents. [1] http://www.economist.com/news/international/21595031-rich-countries-have-cut-deaths-and-injuries-caused-crashes-toll-growing http://www.economist.com/news/international/21595031-rich-co...