The future is not synonymous with science fiction. What may seem distant is actually closer than we think, as science and technology are evolving at a rapid pace. This is evident in the case of cars, which in most futuristic movies are completely autonomous, yet in reality, they are not yet fully integrated into everyday city life. However, it is only a matter of time before autonomous vehicles become more common on the roads. As a result, cities are already preparing to incorporate these vehicles into their traffic systems, which includes the introduction of a new color – white – to the traditional red, yellow, and green traffic lights. But what does the introduction of white lights on traffic signals signify for the not-so-distant future?
The white light on traffic signals is intended to facilitate the coexistence between autonomous and traditional vehicles, and it is already being implemented in some traffic lights as part of a system aimed at improving traffic regulation in a future where autonomous cars are more prevalent. In Madrid, for example, a fourth color has been installed on a traffic light for testing purposes, although it is not expected to be used in the near future.
How will this traffic light function?
The concept behind the white light is to allow autonomous vehicles to better manage intersections, making traffic flow more smoothly. This would reduce the time vehicles spend idling at intersections, resulting in fuel savings, reduced pollution, and shorter travel times. The white light will be activated when a sufficient number of autonomous vehicles approach an intersection. Its purpose is to allow these vehicles to coordinate with each other, optimizing traffic flow and reducing wait times at traffic lights. In this scenario, autonomous vehicles will take control, and the white light will signal to other vehicles to follow their lead, thus facilitating smoother traffic flow.
The current colors – red (stop), yellow (caution), and green (go) – will continue to apply to traditional vehicles, and the introduction of the white light will not alter existing traffic rules. In situations where human-driven vehicles predominate, traffic lights will function conventionally.
Testing in San Francisco and Madrid
Currently, this technology is being tested in certain areas, such as San Francisco in the United States, and has begun to be installed in locations like Plaza de Castilla in Madrid, although the white light is not actively used due to legal restrictions on autonomous driving. This technology is still in an experimental phase, as the circulation of autonomous cars remains limited. In Madrid, the idea of integrating a fourth light to facilitate the coordination of autonomous vehicles is seen as a promising innovation for the future of urban traffic, although there is still some skepticism and curiosity about how it will work in practice.
Necessary legislative changes
The current legislation and infrastructure for autonomous vehicles are still far from being fully implemented. The development and adoption of these traffic lights depend on various factors, such as advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, changes in traffic laws, and societal acceptance of these systems. Therefore, while there is growing interest and testing being conducted, the global implementation of these four-light traffic signals may take several years to materialize uniformly worldwide.
Study in North Carolina
The concept of a fourth light on traffic signals stems from a study conducted by the University of North Carolina. Ali Hajbabaie, an associate professor of engineering at North Carolina State University, explains that „when we approach the intersection, we stop if it’s red and go if it’s green, but if the white light is activated, you just follow the vehicle in front of you.“ Experts believe that „granting some control of traffic flow to autonomous vehicles is a relatively new idea, known as the mobile control paradigm.“ They emphasize the importance of incorporating the concept of the white light at intersections because it informs human drivers of what is happening.
In conclusion, the introduction of white lights on traffic signals represents a significant step towards the integration of autonomous vehicles into our urban environments. While there are still challenges to overcome, such as legislative changes and societal acceptance, the potential benefits of smoother traffic flow and reduced emissions make this innovation a promising development for the future of transportation.