In the field of road traffic, the emergence of autonomous vehicles is attracting increasing interest. One proposal involves introducing a fourth color, white, at traffic lights to indicate the presence of autonomous vehicles and guide drivers to drive more smoothly. This initiative relies on a sophisticated communication infrastructure that allows autonomous vehicles to coordinate their movements. Traffic simulations show promising results with a potential reduction in travel time of up to 94%. However, to fully assess its effectiveness and feasibility, field testing is required.

Self-driving cars are taking control

In the field of road traffic, a quiet revolution is on the horizon thanks to the emergence of autonomous vehicles. One particularly noteworthy innovation could revolutionize our traditional traffic lights, providing a new perspective on urban traffic management. The idea is to introduce a fourth color, white, into traffic lights to indicate availability autonomous vehicles close and directing drivers to more harmonious driving has attracted considerable interest in the automotive industry and road safety circles. This offer is based on complex communication infrastructure, which allows autonomous vehicles to communicate with each other and with road infrastructure to optimize traffic flow. Specifically, when a sufficient number of autonomous vehicles are detected near the intersection, the white phase is activated. This special color indicates this to drivers autonomous vehicles direct traffic and it is desirable to follow them for more efficient and safer driving. In mixed traffic situations, where autonomous vehicles do not predominate, traffic lights operate in normal mode, ensuring a smooth transition between traffic management modes.

And in real conditions?

Traffic simulations have shown promising results regarding the effectiveness of this approach. Depending on the number of autonomous vehicles involved, travel time can be reduced by 3% to 94%, which represents significant potential for improving traffic flow and reducing congestion. Ali Hajbabai, an engineer and co-author of the study and a professor at North Carolina State University, summarized the concept as a “white phase” that harnesses the computing power of autonomous vehicles. This new approach assumes that drivers and cars co-exist in a scenario where drivers get carried away. The engineer explained that a red light would continue to mean stop and a green light would mean go forward. Meanwhile, white lights will signal drivers to simply follow the car in front. However, despite these encouraging results, pilot studies and field trials will be necessary to fully assess the effectiveness and feasibility of this proposal in real traffic conditions. In addition, awareness and education efforts will be needed to educate the public about the operation and importance of these new road signs.