Yikes! Autonomous cars to control intersections, drivers be aware!

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Traffic researchers are proposing the addition of a fourth white light on traffic signals to indicate when autonomous cars are controlling intersections, aiming to improve traffic flow. This concept echoes a 1970s proposal for emergency vehicles to control traffic lights, raising questions about the implementation of such technology in cities due to cost concerns. The discussion highlights potential vulnerabilities, suggesting that the system could be susceptible to hacking, where signals could be simulated. There are existing examples in the U.S. where emergency vehicles can change traffic lights, indicating some level of technology integration. Overall, the conversation reflects skepticism about the practicality and safety of autonomous traffic control systems.
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https://unionrayo.com/en/traffic-lights-color-white-autonomous-cars/

In this article, traffic researchers looking to improve traffic flow via autonomous cars and a 4th white light on the traffic light to signal that autonomous cars are controlling the light please follow their lead.

Cue the Outer Limits theme song:



“Do not attempt to control your television. We control the horizontal. We control the vertical. …”
 
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You've got bigger things to worry about than autonomous cars. It's all a distraction from what really matters.
 
I saw that story this morning. Should be interesting, fun times.
 
1970's era, a proposal was to have emergency vehicles control traffic lights so as to lessen their time to a situation. Saw that in a science magazines of the era. This is just a re-hash from 50 years ago.

Any city put that technology into operation?
Why not? It costs money. Taxpayer money.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_signal_preemption
 
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256bits said:
1970's era, a proposal was to have emergency vehicles control traffic lights so as to lessen their time to a situation. Saw that in a science magazines of the era. This is just a re-hash from 50 years ago.

Any city put that technology into operation?
Why not? It costs money. Taxpayer money.
It's a thing in the US:

https://www.clickorlando.com/traffi...cy-vehicles-change-traffic-lights-on-the-fly/
 
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What about pedestrians and cyclist?

Doesn't this make the system easy to hack? No need for the "real Napster" traffic hack anymore! Just simulate autonomous car signals.

 
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256bits said:
1970's era, a proposal was to have emergency vehicles control traffic lights so as to lessen their time to a situation. Saw that in a science magazines of the era. This is just a re-hash from 50 years ago.

Any city put that technology into operation?
Why not? It costs money. Taxpayer money.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_signal_preemption
Of course. It is implemented in most cities in Silicon Valley where we respond.
 
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It was even factored into Numb3rs — Season 3, Episode 5, “Traffic.”

In the episode the perpetrator used a device like the ones on emergency vehicles to preempt traffic signals (turning them green) to open an escape route
 
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