Speed lights

[Crackpot]

That (among a plethora of other factors) is what I was thinking.

[Lord Jim]

Here's another question:

When that light turns red, do the lights governing the cross traffic turn green? (I skimmed through Scooters's article and didn't see anything about this)

If so, what about the effect on people crossing the street at a cross walk where this system is in place? Is granny with her walker suddenly going to have to sprint for her life because a speeder going the other way has tripped a red, and thus also unexpectedly turned the light of the traffic she's crossing in front of green before it would normally be the case?

[Lord Jim]

Yet another question:

Speeder number one is traveling north to south, and trips the red.

Now, while speeder number one is in the penalty box, along comes speeder number two, traveling east to west....

Does speeder number one get an early release from his penance so the system can now punish speeder number 2?

Hows this for an alternative approach:

you synchronize the timing of the lights along the road in such a way that speeding doesn't help you evade them, and traveling the speed limit is rewarded. (ie, assuming a steady traffic flow, if you travel at the limit the timing is such that you are rewarded with greens...exceeding the limit will only mean that you get caught at the next red)

[The Hen]

Jim, not all of the lights will be speed lights. Therefore speeders in other directions will not be setting off the lights against each other.

The lights will most likely be at intersections that do not have pedestrian crossings which would take the human element out of the equation.

[The Hen]

On traffic flows, I have read elsewhere that the lights are only going to be deployed outside rush hours and peak times when the prevalence of speeders is diminished.

[Sean]

Anyroad, traffic jams also stop people speeding so win-win!

[The Hen]

I believe that was their rationale.

Always good to use the elements in your favor for road safety.

[Crackpot]

Not good for fuel economy, accidents and the general mood of the populaion

[The Hen]

And the research for your claims about accidents from road safety initiatives?

As for the mood for fuckers that reckon they can breach speed parameters? As if I give a shit?

I hope it really irritates them.

[Crackpot]

Traffic jams increase accident of all types

[The Hen]

The traffic jams we have don't have that much room for anyone to speed in.

There is a major death contributing factor removed.

Reduce speed. Reduce fatalities.

[Scooter]

And what evidence do you have that this will cause traffic jams? Particularly since, as sources have pointed out, it is unlikely to take effect in peak periods since traffic will be travelling too slowly to activate the traffic lights at those times.

[Lord Jim]

So this system is only going to be used when there's little traffic and where there are no pedestrians...

In that case I have a new criticism...

Complete waste of money.

[oldr_n_wsr]

As for the mood for fuckers that reckon they can breach speed parameters? As if I give a shit?

Here on Long Island speed limits are mere "suggestions" as are STOP signs.

[loCAtek]

The signal lights here in the Silicon Valley are smart enough that their amber time varies; which does suck for pedestrians and cyclists. Unless you push the crosswalk button, the instant the last car enters the intersection, the light turns amber then red very quickly. I've entered the crosswalk at places, during a solid green to have it be red by the time I was halfway across. At least, the cops understand; I've done this right in front of them, and haven't been pulled over for it.
I do worry about the next motorist, who jumps the green and doesn't see me frantically trying to get across the road.

[oldr_n_wsr]

I learned that if first at a red light to look both ways after the light turns green before proceeding. If some a$$hole beeps at me for not taking off fast enough, I take a second and third look before proceeding.

[oldr_n_wsr]

And while on the subject of speeding and running red lights, a reminder that it is motorcycle season so please be extra careful and please be on the lookout for us bikers.

[Sean]

We don't get a season when it's legal to hunt motorcyclists here...

[oldr_n_wsr]

We don't get a season when it's legal to hunt motorcyclists here...

It's a gun culture thing.

[Lord Jim]

please be on the lookout for us bikers.

I'm always looking out for motorcyclists oldr...

As they are amongst the biggest offenders when it comes to running red lights, weaving recklessly in and out of traffic, cutting people off with inches of clearance, failing to signal their intentions, and generally acting like they own the whole damn road and there's nobody else on it, it would be imprudent not to look out for them....