Researchers Suggest Introducing Fourth Traffic Signal for Hypothetical Era of Self-Driving Cars
In a theoretical future with autonomous vehicles navigating our bustling streets, traffic lights could incorporate a fourth color, specifically added to accommodate the needs of these self-driving cars.
Figure 1. Modernize the Image of Traffic Signal Design Recognized Since 1931.
Figure 1 shows modernize the Image of Traffic Signal Design Recognized Since 1931 Researchers from North Carolina State University are suggesting the implementation of an extra white traffic signal. This signal would indicate to drivers that autonomous vehicles (AVs) are efficiently managing the flow of traffic at the upcoming intersection. The rationale behind this proposal is that it could lead to a decrease in both traffic congestion levels and overall fuel consumption.[1]
Self-driving cars and trucks won't rely on visually observing the white traffic light, as they will communicate with it wirelessly. Nonetheless, the white light will serve as a signal for human drivers and passengers to follow the lead of the self-driving vehicles navigating through the intersection.
Civil engineer Ali Hajbabaie explains, "Red lights will continue to indicate a stop. Green lights will still signify permission to proceed. And white lights will instruct human drivers to adhere to the vehicle ahead."
The concept we are introducing for traffic intersections, termed as the "white phase," harnesses the computational capabilities of autonomous vehicles.
Here's the process: Autonomous vehicles would establish communication among themselves and with the traffic lights at intersections within a designated range. This connectivity would allow them to synchronize traffic flow more effectively and intelligently. For instance, it could prioritize congested roads, advising on optimal speeds for smoother convergence.
Human drivers in the scenario would receive instructions to follow the actions of the vehicle ahead of them through the white light: stopping if it stops, proceeding if it continues. When the number of autonomous vehicles at an intersection decreases below a specified threshold, the traffic lights would return to the standard red, amber, and green signals.
In simulated scenarios, autonomous vehicles (AVs) were observed to enhance traffic flow independently, and this improvement was further amplified with the introduction of the white phase. Consequently, this enhancement had positive implications for reducing fuel consumption. As the proportion of AVs at an intersection increased, traffic movement accelerated, with potential reductions in total delays ranging from approximately 40 to 99 percent.
Ali Hajbabaie explains, "Delegating certain aspects of traffic flow management to autonomous vehicles represents a relatively novel concept known as the mobile control paradigm. This approach can be applied to regulate traffic in any situation involving autonomous vehicles."
"We believe it's crucial to integrate the white light concept at intersections because it provides clear instructions to human drivers, ensuring they understand what actions to take as they approach the intersection."
The researchers highlight that once the percentage of autonomous vehicles at an intersection surpasses 30 percent, the enhancements become notably more pronounced. With 70 percent of AVs in the traffic, the intersection can predominantly operate in a fully automated white phase mode.
While advancements are ongoing, the current technology is insufficient to implement such a system. However, progress is continually being made. This study expands upon a previous investigation conducted by the same researchers in 2020, where traffic flow was regulated by a central computer connected to the intersection. In this iteration, the required computing power can be handled by the self-driving cars themselves.[2]
Implementing upgrades at every road intersection will undoubtedly require time and financial resources. However, the researchers believe that certain components of the white phase concept could be relatively straightforward to implement. Conducting trial runs in targeted areas could be the next logical progression.
"Ports experience significant commercial vehicle traffic, making efficient traffic flow crucial," states Hajbabaie. "Given the higher adoption rates of autonomous vehicles among commercial fleets, there is a potential opportunity to initiate a pilot project in this setting, which could enhance traffic management and commercial transportation efficiency."
References:
- https://www.sciencealert.com/traffic-lights-could-have-a-4th-color-in-the-future-heres-why
- https://www.popsci.com/technology/fourth-traffic-light-self-driving-cars/
Cite this article:
Gokila G (2024), Researchers Suggest Introducing Fourth Traffic Signal for Hypothetical Era of Self-Driving Cars, Anatechmaz , pp . 946