Fuel mileage
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
We have lots of smart lights here in SLC, in fact we built the system and began implementing a traffic management system (which is run by unelected imbeciles) in preparation for the Olympics. The smart lights work pretty well, except when you get some idiot who parks a whole car length behind the white line, the sensor in the road won't detect a car there, unless if pulls over the sensor. If it doesn't detect any cars, it runs the full length of its timed cycle, which is quite long. If the smart light does't detect any cars in a turn lane, it will usually skip the left turn signal altogether, or at least skip it at every other signal. If people leave excessive gaps between them on left turns, it will change back prematurely, and won't let all the cars through. For most people it works fine, but about 1 in 20 drivers drives like a completely moron, or is over the age of 80.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,018
Likes: 210
From: SoCal
To encourage smooth traffic flow (and efficiency), the lights should be timed, so that you never have to come to a stop to activate the lights in your direction. Once you catch a green, you should be able to catch all of them as long as you keep a certain speed, like the typical speed appropriate for safe driving in that area. Many communities used to have those, which work a lot better than "traffic calming" patterns.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 6
From: Florida
I don't know who gets "calmed" with "calming lights" because in any case it creates rage.
One stop after another, you can't even get to any "normal speed" before you have to stop again. (Seminole County). In Orange County, the green lights stay on longer and red lights are shorter, people are happier.
One stop after another, you can't even get to any "normal speed" before you have to stop again. (Seminole County). In Orange County, the green lights stay on longer and red lights are shorter, people are happier.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,018
Likes: 210
From: SoCal
I dunno, I drive a lot in OC, and I don't like those lights at all.
But I agree about longer greens; they do help with smoother flow. Even the best driver will have a lag time of about 1/4 second, and 10 in a row means a delay of 2.5 seconds from the light change to the 10th driver starting to move. All those little lag times add up, and longer green lights will allow more traffic to flow, even it it means longer reds.
But I agree about longer greens; they do help with smoother flow. Even the best driver will have a lag time of about 1/4 second, and 10 in a row means a delay of 2.5 seconds from the light change to the 10th driver starting to move. All those little lag times add up, and longer green lights will allow more traffic to flow, even it it means longer reds.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SPL Tech
Excursion - King of SUVs
22
Jan 30, 2007 02:24 AM
Weston666
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Jul 4, 2005 05:16 PM
