All the traffic lights for the regulation of vehicle traffic have three cores, right? E se a Help Flash lhe dissesse que pode ser no temporal horizon um semaphore com four cores, accreditado? Well, researchers from the State University of North Carolina, in the United States, are working on an innovative proposal: adding a white light to traditional traffic lights. This new light is directly linked to the future two autonomous vehicles, which promise to transform the way we move. The study indicates that, with only 10% of autonomous vehicles on roads, the waiting time at crossings can no longer be reduced by nearly 3%. If the percentage is increased to 30%, it may be greater than 10%.
But what does that fourth light mean, and how can it improve traffic safety and fluidity? A Help Flash explains everything in this article!
Or what about autonomous vehicles?
Before we enter, don't worry about the white light, it's important to realize that there are autonomous vehicles. These use advanced technologies such as sensors, radars, cameras and artificial intelligence systems to circulate without human intervention. In other words, we can make driving decisions autonomously, analyzing the environment at will and connecting with other vehicles and infrastructures. This innovation, which still lacks more research and applied legislation, promises to reduce accidents, improve traffic efficiency and even reduce pollution emissions.
How would white light work?
- For autonomous vehicles: A white light would signal that autonomous cars can follow their decisions two other times. If the central control systems of the autonomous vehicles decide that it is safe to move forward, all autonomous vehicles would follow that coordinated movement.
- For human drivers: The three traditional lights would continue to function as usual. However, the presence of a white light will alert drivers that the autonomous vehicles are operating in a coordination mode.
Advantages
- Efficiency and fluidity in traffic: As autonomous vehicles communicate directly with each other and with infrastructure, the flow of traffic could be smoother and faster, reducing congestion.
- Safety: Relying on the decisions of two autonomous vehicles, which use numerous sensors and artificial intelligence to assess the environment, would have the potential for a marked reduction in accidents.
- Gradual and harmonious integration: Human drivers can maintain control over their vehicles, which would allow a gradual transition to a future with more autonomous vehicles.
- Reduction of consumption and emissions: Another advantage would be to reduce consumption, with a positive impact on the environment, which would also reduce the emissions of polluting gases.
Challenges
- Infrastructure: A very significant investment would be necessary to update the traffic light network and adapt the roads for this new technology, still guaranteeing total connectivity between all those involved.
- Technological adoption: The concept depends on the proliferation of autonomous vehicles and public access to this new technology.
- Regulation: The introduction of two 100% autonomous vehicles and a new light would imply changes in the road regulations and in the applicable legislation.
- Incorporate the peões in this cenário: For everything to function in harmony, it is necessary to incorporate the peões in these cenários. The underlying idea would be to optimize the driving of two autonomous vehicles and the timing of two traffic lights, choosing between the white and green signals, and the "cross" and "do not cross" intervals for the traffic lights to prevent conflicting indications.
When?
Although the idea of white light at traffic lights is a somewhat futuristic solution, it reflects how mobility is going to evolve. With the increasing adoption of technologies such as autonomous driving, traffic regulations and infrastructure will inevitably have to adapt. The introduction of this new light could be an important step towards a safer, more efficient and sustainable approach to the way we address urban displacements.
