White light on traffic lights? See what the 4th light on traffic is for

Many people get confused about the different traffic laws, especially since they change over time. However, one of the most well-known rules and even taught as a safety measure is signaling traffic lights. traffic lights. However, even this basic sign can undergo significant changes.

Everyone knows, or at least should know, that traffic lights are made up of three colors: red, yellow and green. Each of them has its own meaning: stop, caution/slow down and go ahead, respectively.

However, what if a new color was added in addition to these? Well, this implementation seems to be closer than we imagine.

Will a 4th light be added to traffic lights?

Experiments are being conducted at North Carolina State University to test the benefits and consequences of introducing a new light to traffic signals. The idea is based on thinking about how the future of autonomous cars could help maintain traffic flow.

These vehicles are essentially automobiles equipped with intelligent computers capable of driving the vehicle without the driver’s influence by analyzing the surrounding environment.

Furthermore, these vehicles are already in circulation. Therefore, the addition of the new light, in color whiteis specifically aimed at them.

What does this signage mean and how does it work in practice?

A white light would indicate to the human driver that he or she should simply “follow the vehicle in front.” In other words, if the vehicle in front stops, the driver should stop as well; the same is true if the vehicle continues without slowing down.

However, this signaling would only work through communication with autonomous cars, indicating to them what can be done based on traffic in other lanes.

Therefore, the white signal is only effective when there are autonomous cars nearby; otherwise, it reverts to the conventional signals already known.

And in Brazil, what would be the benefits of this new feature?

We know that most traffic congestion is caused by human error, so autonomous vehicles could significantly reduce congestion by streamlining traffic flow. In addition, safety would be ensured by communication between autonomous vehicles and traffic lights.

Another direct benefit for all drivers would be the fuel savings resulting from the reduced need to change gears. In other words, there would be no need to stop at every intersection or even slow down if the vehicle in front does not indicate it. The use of this technology could benefit both citizens and the environment.

In Brazil, several public policies would need to be implemented before this technology could be adopted. In addition to a large investment in education and infrastructure, research would be needed to assess the popularity of autonomous vehicles in the country.