New Traffic Light Color Proposed to Optimize flow with Self-Driving Cars
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – Researchers at the University of North Carolina are proposing a notable change to traffic signaling: the addition of a fourth, white light to traditional red, yellow, and green traffic lights. The innovation, dubbed VTM (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Management), aims to dramatically improve traffic flow as the number of autonomous vehicles on the road increases.
The white light would activate when a sufficient concentration of self-driving cars approaches an intersection. in this mode, human drivers would be instructed to follow the actions of the autonomous vehicles – essentially mirroring their speed and movements. When fewer autonomous vehicles are present, the traffic light would revert to standard three-color operation.
The system relies on communication between autonomous vehicles and the traffic light control system. By coordinating vehicle arrival times, the system can optimize passage through intersections, benefiting both autonomous and human-driven cars. Simulations suggest this four-light system, coupled with the underlying infrastructure, could reduce travel time at a single intersection by 3 to 94% compared to conventional, timed traffic light cycles.
While fully self-driving cars aren’t yet widely available,progress is being made. Automotive companies are currently focused on transitioning from Level 3 autonomy - where the driver must remain alert and ready to take control – to Level 4, which allows for fully autonomous operation in specific scenarios.
The Czech Republic is preparing to allow Level 3 autonomous vehicles on select roadways, such as highways, beginning next year, mirroring a similar initiative already underway in Germany.
