Traffic Light Control For The Masses

uniformed1 writes "Eliminating red lights along the routes of their vehicles can give emergency response teams the few extra critical minutes that can save lives and property. A front page article in today's Detroit News details the emerging problem with a device that is now being made available to the public -- a traffic light changer. Originally intended only for emergency vehicles, the $300 MIRT (mobile infrared transmitter) emits an infrared beam that signals traffic signals to turn green and gives the vehicle the right-of-way. It is only a matter of time before self-centered drivers start using the devices widely to skirt traffic congestion, which is creating fears that chaos will ensue." Maybe if everyone had these, it would lead to smarter intersections.

Comments

We have light-sensitive systems in the UK

[jo_ham]

There are sensors on the top of traffic lights in the UK that respond to headlights.

If an ambulance is approaching lights on red he can flash his full beams a few times and the sequence changes.

I use this feature all the time at the lights near my house, especially late at night when the deafult sequence on the lights is to stay green for the main road all the time unless a car approaches on the minor road.

Re:Ambulance drivers don't go full speed

[Avenger]

OK, a few things here (and yes I have experience wiht this, only not with an ambulance, but with a fire truck, however the concepts are still the same.)

First off if the ambulance driver is any good, he/she does not go full speed through a green light, or a red light, or a yellow light for that matter. If they are really good, they stop and make sure they have the right of way. Believe it or not, in most cases that have made it to court where an accident occured between a civilian and a emergency vehicle, the Emergency Vehicle driver was held accountable. This is true even in the case where the Ambulance had a green light to go and the ambulance was struck BY the civilian running a red light. (I don't remember the specific case but was taught to us when we took our driving course.) Personally I stop at every light, green or not and make sure that I have EVERYONES attention before going through an intersection. It is better to get my truck, and my fellow fire fighters there in one piece than to crash the truck and not get there at all.

Another interesting point of fact, (at least in New York state) the flashing red lights give NO legal rights to disobey the speed limit. This is something I allways try and keep in mind, because you do kind of feel invincible when you are driving those big red trucks.