Adaptive Vs Timer Stoplights
When approaching intersections with working signal lights, drivers more
often than not find themselves wary of the light turning from green to
orange/yellow to red.
Invariably drivers face the question: Do I slow down, maintain the same
speed, or accelerate?
More often than not such decisions determine whether the driver meets or
causes an accident, is ticketed by traffic law enforcers for beating the
red light and reckless driving, or goes on safely to face another lighted
intersection and more decision-making.
For many drivers, signal lights with countdown timers were a big help in
making decisions at intersections.
Studies have confirmed this. One such study, conducted by the Oregon State
University, was cited by a Top Gear article dealing with this same topic.
According to the study, "When looking at driver response, deceleration
rates were more gentle when presented with the countdown timers, and we did
not find that drivers accelerated to try to beat the light-those are
positives for safety."
However, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has apparently began
phasing out the use of traffic signal lights with countdown timers in favor
of an adaptive traffic signal light system.
This system employs sensors that detect the presence of vehicles
approaching and crossing intersections and determines when the lights would
change.
This is controlled at the MMDA central contact center which according to
reports is already linked to 50 to 60 percent of signal lights in the
metropolis.
The countdown timers are removed or are no longer used on the signal lights
connected to the adaptive signal light system of the MMDA contact center.
This is the reason why more and more countdown timers are no longer in
operation at many signal lights at major intersections.
Work on linking all signal lights in the city to the adaptive signal light
system is continuing and the MMDa expects this to be completed by around
2025.
According to the MMDA, the adaptive signal control technology can
automatically adapt to unexpected changes in traffic conditions.
This will help improve travel time reliability, and reduce congestion and
fuel consumption of motorists.
One system is more concerned with safety. The other is focused more on
efficiency and better traffic management. Can both concerns be addressed
by a single traffic light signalization system?