Safer traffic lights... that let you cross a red light!

In about a month, the city of Marysville, California will test a new red light system designed to predict and prevent traffic collisions at intersections in a most unusual way.

Predictive software has been incorporated into an existing red-light camera system to detect when an approaching driver is most likely to run the red light. In this case, it will hold traffic coming from other directions until the unlawful car zips safely (and illegally) past.


One of the basic fundamentals of car driving is to abide by the law, so one has to wonder if such innovation would truly make the streets safer.

Imagine four drivers racing towards an intersection at the same time and ignoring the red lights on the assumption that everybody else will have to stop. Carnage would inevitably ensue!

On the other hand, using the new red light system in conjunction with cameras could help prevent situations like this since guilty drivers would get caught on tape and receive hefty fines. It's a known fact that driving habits start to change the minute people face the possibility of losing money.

What about you? How would you feel about a similar system being implemented in your area?


_{Source: Switched}