Traffic Enforcement vs Traffic Lights: Which One Is More Effective?

Living in a small town in Washington, the number of traffic signals is surprisingly high, around 30. This led me to wonder about the practicality of having traffic attendants for these intersections 24/7. Given the number of signal lights, staffing them with attendants would require approximately 150 people, making the annual cost reach several million dollars. Clearly, this approach is not feasible for a small town.

Alternatively, one could consider installing 4-way stop signs. However, this would create chaos, especially at busy intersections like the ones near Costco, particularly on weekends. Therefore, the question remains: which method is more effective in managing traffic?

Traffic Control by Police: Temporarily Effective

Traffic control by police is indeed effective. However, its effectiveness is limited to the presence of the enforcement zone. Once the police leave, the same problems recur. Traffic lights, on the other hand, operate 24/7, providing continuous supervision and regulation.

Driver Behavior and Safety Concerns

A significant issue in many areas, especially the USA, is that drivers often ignore traffic lights. This results in a need for strict traffic enforcers to manage the situation. Traffic lights are crucial for ensuring safety on the roads. Efficient traffic management is essential to prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Engineering vs Enforcement

I generally prefer engineering solutions over enforcement ones. Engineering solutions, such as traffic calming features, are more long-term and sustainable. Traffic calming features, like narrower roads and added curves, naturally reduce speeds without the need for continuous enforcement. These features don't go home at night, ensuring traffic safety around the clock.

Observance of Traffic Signals

In many parts of my town, most residents, regardless of the presence of enforcement, observe traffic signals. This is likely due to the ingrained habit and understanding of safety rules. However, even with this adherence, traffic issues like speeding remain prevalent. Speeding is a major concern because it is not significantly deterred by the temporary presence of traffic enforcers.

Conclusion

Based on my experience and observations, traffic lights are more effective in managing traffic in the long term. While enforcement is crucial, it should complement engineering solutions to create a safer and more efficient traffic management system. By implementing a combination of traffic lights and traffic calming features, we can achieve a sustainable and effective traffic management system.