As the automotive industry continues to evolve with the introduction of electric and autonomous vehicles, experts in traffic and urban mobility are also looking towards changes in traffic laws. One major proposed change is the addition of a new white light to traffic signals to accommodate driverless cars, according to researchers.
Henry Liu, a civil engineering professor at the University of Michigan, is leading the charge in suggesting that traffic signal systems may need to be updated sooner rather than later. He believes that the implementation of a new traffic signal system, which includes a white light, could revolutionize the way autonomous vehicles navigate intersections.
Ali Hajbabaie, an associate professor of engineering at North Carolina State University, envisions the white light as a signal for autonomous vehicles to follow each other at intersections. This concept would eliminate the need for traditional red and green lights, offering a more efficient flow of traffic.
The University of Michigan has even secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to test real-time traffic light changes using car speed and location data. A pilot program is currently underway in the suburb of Detroit, Birmingham, to evaluate the effectiveness of these new traffic signal systems.
While the idea of a fourth white light on traffic signals may seem futuristic, companies like Tesla, Mercedes, GM, and Ford are already paving the way for autonomous vehicles. Waymo, the autonomous ride-sharing service owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, also highlights the importance of creative solutions to facilitate the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles.
As the automotive industry continues to shift towards autonomous technology, questions regarding traffic fines and liability are also coming to light. With fully autonomous vehicles taking the wheel, governments may need to reevaluate how fines are collected and who is responsible for violations.
Overall, the introduction of a white light on traffic signals symbolizes the innovative changes that the automotive industry is undergoing. With ongoing research and pilot programs, the future of autonomous vehicles and traffic management is looking brighter than ever.