The researchers believe that additional white traffic lights at signalized intersections could integrate human drivers into the process.
To optimize traffic flow, many autonomous vehicles communicate with each other and with road infrastructure.
As long as robotic vehicles remain a rarity, it makes no sense to change the usual color scheme of traffic lights. However, according to scientists from the University of North Carolina, with the advent of more unmanned vehicles on the streets, the situation may change.
The idea of the researchers is that as the robotic vehicles approach the intersection, they will begin to exchange data with each other and with the computer that controls the traffic lights, writes New Atlas. In order to cross the intersection as quickly and efficiently as possible, all robotic cars will act in a coordinated manner: a certain number of cars traveling in one direction will stop, those moving in another direction will pass.
During this phase, the color of the traffic light will change to white. This will allow drivers of non-autonomous vehicles to understand that the right of way is dictated by the needs of robotic vehicles, and they only need to follow them and do what they do: slow down when they slow down and accelerate when they drive.
At the same intersection, when the vast majority of the approaching vehicles are non-autonomous, the traffic light reverts to its normal color scheme, and the white color just doesn't light up.
Computer modeling of such a scheme, based on data from real traffic flows, showed that the idea has its advantages. In some cases, for example, the white phase reduces the delay by more than 90%.
“The simulations gave us the following insights,” said Ali Hadjbabaye, head of the science team. - First, in the presence of robotic vehicles, the white phase improves the flow of traffic. Fuel consumption is also reduced because there are fewer stops. Thirdly, the higher the percentage of unmanned vehicles in the white phase at the intersection, the faster the flow moves and the better the fuel consumption indicators.”
Even in a situation where robo vehicles make up only 10% of the cars at the intersection, the white phase reduces traffic delay by 3%. Yes, the color of the traffic light does not have to be white - you can choose any other.
Back in 2019, experts found that modern traffic lights are not suitable for autonomous vehicles. Modeling showed that robotic vehicles need other intersections.
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