Quote:
|
Originally Posted by B-Line
In Los Angeles, at many intersections, there is now a countdown timer which shows you how much time is left on the Green/Yellow.
I think it's a great device and would almost 100% guarantee that it helps prevent accidents. You can now approach an intersection and have a 10-1 second countdown in motion that alerts you to how much time is left before RED..
It's smart, non-punitive and is pro-active rather than reactive.
B
|
On the side of town where I live, almost every light has the "pedestrian" countdown, but it is very useful where you're just driving to see if there is enough time to go for it. The flip side, which is arguably far beneficial, is that you can tell when you need to start braking well in advance so that you can come to a controlled, slower stop (which might even have a slight added benefit of increasing fuel economy).
I have a very strong feeling that just timing lights extremely accurately to increase, not inhibit, traffic flow would do wonders for congestion, accidents, etc while increasing fuel economy and reducing pollution. There's nothing more frustrating that being on a major road and having to slam on your brakes at every stop light for miles to let 1 or 2 or even 0 cars cross the street. I imagine the cost to retime traffic lights would be far cheaper than mandating increases in the fuel consumption of all the vehicles in the world for a similar effect (I am NOT saying that increasing efficiency isn't necessary - just making a point).