Study finds that smart traffic lights could help our roads, atmosphere

Traffic lights that wirelessly keep track of vehicles could make your next road trip faster, cheaper, and cleaner say Romanian and US researchers.

The researchers recorded peak traffic flow at a major junction in Bucharest, Romania, and then used the distributed computing lab at Rutgers University to create complex simulations. They discovered that “smart” traffic lights could reduce the time drivers spend waiting at intersections by more than 28% during rush hours. The team also believes that these lights could reduce CO₂ emissions by 6.5%.

If traffic lights were to transmit information back to vehicles, the scientists believe that fuel consumption and emissions could be improved even further.

Lights like these could help us start reversing the effects of our driving. More open roads, less smog in the air, and more efficient use of gasoline are all things that the world could use.

We give this idea the green light.

[Via NewScientist]