As vehicles become more intelligent and interconnected, the traditional traffic lights, which have regulated traffic flow for over a century, may be on the verge of a significant overhaul. Researchers are investigating leveraging features in modern vehicles, such as GPS, to enhance traffic safety and efficiency. This could potentially lead to the complete replacement of the familiar red, yellow, and green lights with a system that gives control to driverless cars.
Henry Liu, a civil engineering professor leading a study at the University of Michigan, suggests that the implementation of a new traffic signal system might be closer than anticipated due to the rapid progress in artificial intelligence. The history of traffic lights in the U.S. dates back to 1914 when Cleveland introduced the first municipal traffic control system. Over time, the system evolved to include the yellow light, credited to Detroit police officer William Potts.
With the emergence of connected and automated vehicles, new possibilities for traffic signals have arisen. Ali Hajbabaie, an associate engineering professor at North Carolina State University, proposes the addition of a fourth light, possibly white, to indicate when autonomous vehicles are prevalent enough to lead the way through intersections. This approach would require significant adoption of self-driving vehicles and universal acceptance of the new signaling system.
While Hajbabaie’s concept is still in its early stages, research at the University of Michigan explores using data from vehicles, particularly from General Motors, to adjust traffic light timings in real time. This approach, focusing on vehicles with drivers rather than fully autonomous ones, could lead to more immediate changes in traffic management. The flexibility of this method, which utilizes existing vehicle data without requiring infrastructure upgrades, makes it an attractive option for improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.
