Five Things I Hate About Traffic Lights and Their Impact on Efficiency

The Complexity of Traffic Light Synchronization

When traffic lights operate on traffic sensors, the synchronization can be quite complex. Even if you are the only vehicle on the road and your side is green, a vehicle pulling up on the red side to make a right turn causes your light to switch to red moments later. As a result, you have to stop even though there is no traffic, effectively wasting your time.

These problems are further compounded by the fact that traffic lights often turn green for a much shorter duration than they stay red. This can lead to situations where you arrive just before the light, only to have it change to red again while you are halfway through your turn.

Common Issues and Inconveniences

Individual drivers often face several common issues with traffic lights. Cyclists often ignore them, making it difficult for drivers to anticipate their movements. Motorcyclists and smaller vehicles sometimes force their way in front, causing frustration. Additionally, pedestrians frequently press their crosswalk buttons but start crossing the street before the 'walk' sign has even turned green, creating a mix of chaos and confusion.

Environmental and Efficiency Concerns

One of the more significant issues with traffic lights is their impact on the environment. While your car gets exactly 0 miles per gallon when sitting at a traffic light, it still produces infinite pollution per mile during each stop. In heavy traffic, traffic lights can cause you to stop for periods ranging from 4 to 5 minutes, which significantly reduces efficiency.

The inefficiency of traffic lights is further exacerbated by the fact that they are often not synchronized properly. This lack of synchronization means that traffic flow can be severely hampered, and drivers often end up running yellows or making other risky maneuvers to avoid being stuck at a red light when the next light turns green.

The Potential for Road Crashes

While traffic lights are intended to improve safety, they can actually contribute to more crashes than they prevent. Drivers who are trying to “make the light” by running yellows often lose control or collide with other vehicles. Additionally, drivers who try to “get off the line” to make the next light can themselves be involved in accidents. This cycle of risk-taking can lead to a higher incidence of traffic collisions.

In conclusion, while traffic lights serve a vital role in managing traffic flow and improving safety, their design and synchronization can be a source of frustration, inefficiency, and even increased environmental impact for many drivers. Until these issues are addressed, the benefits of traffic lights must be weighed against the considerable inconveniences and risks they pose.