Have you seen the viral post on social media about a four-color traffic light, claiming that a new white signal will soon be implemented in India? While the rules of red, yellow, and green have taught children traffic rules, this fourth color (white) is being touted as a vehicle for autonomous vehicles. Find out what transportation officials and researchers have to say about this groundbreaking idea, and how much truth there is to the viral claim. Currently, the white traffic light idea is only at the research stage, and there are no immediate plans for implementation in India.
The Viral Truth About the White Traffic Light
This novel idea for a fourth traffic signal (white) emerged from a research report from North Carolina State University in February 2023.
White Signal for Autonomous Vehicles
Researchers have proposed the groundbreaking suggestion that when autonomous vehicles (AVs), or self-driving cars, become a reality on the roads, adding a fourth color (white) to traffic lights will reduce delays at intersections and significantly contribute to smoother traffic flow.
The principle behind the white light is that when there are a large number of autonomous vehicles at an intersection, the white signal will signal human drivers to follow the platoon, i.e., do as the autonomous vehicles are doing. This signal itself will serve as a means of communication between the computers controlling the intersection.
Traffic Experts’ Opinion
Transportation experts recognize this brilliant concept, but they clearly state that it may still be decades before autonomous vehicles dominate global roads.
Currently, only an experimental idea
Experts believe that a four-color traffic light system has no practical application until autonomous cars become completely commonplace. Researchers at North Carolina State University have also made it clear that this concept is still in the research stage and has not been implemented as part of any government-approved traffic system.
This white light concept is a glimpse into the intersections of the future, not a technology that can be implemented today. More testing, technological advancements, and international regulatory approvals are crucial before its actual implementation. Currently, the system is being refined in simulations and academic models rather than tested on public roads.
Is the white traffic light coming to India
Although this concept is based on validated research from North Carolina State University and holds immense promise for future traffic management, no national or local authority in India has adopted it. This idea will only advance to the policy-making level when self-driving cars become more commonplace on Indian roads. For now, we must strictly adhere to the traditional three-color traffic light rules.