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Traffic lights exist to control the flow of traffic, ensuring that we don't all go driving like maniacs on the road. But what if there was a technology that made it so we never had to stop at a light -- ever? Believe it or not, that's the idea behind Audi's new Travolution device -- and if early test results are to be believed, the wireless attachment could significantly reduce traffic congestion as well as exhaust emissions.
By connecting wirelessly to "smart" traffic lights, the Travolution calculates the distance of an upcoming light and then tells you how fast you need to go in order to reach the light as soon as it turns green. It's just like driving down your favorite road where you have the timing of the signal changes memorized, only it'll work with every road (well, the ones that have intelligent signals). By having cars constantly moving, traffic inevitably speeds up, gas mileage improves due to less stopping and starting, and less idling means less CO2 production. Can this device do no wrong?
Well, it's clear that the Travolution system has many potential benefits, and as mentioned, a two-year test that Audi conducted saw significant improvements in traffic congestion. But remember that in less than optimum situations (e.g. standstill traffic), the device may not provide any benefit at all. And don't forget that traffic lights will need to be refitted and reprogrammed to be compatible with the Travolution. So while we love the idea of a traffic-free city, we won't hold our breath for an actual release date. [From: Daily Mail]
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Comments
5
Subscribe to commentsAnother Gimmick?Oct 23rd 2008 7:23AM
What happens when this "travolution device" tells someone to go 5 mph to get to the next light, but the people behind him are going to be turning before that intersection into roads without traffic lights? I wouldn't want to be that guy. And "smart" traffic lights? - that's a laugh. The only "smart" lights we have here in New York City photograph red light runners to raise revenue for our poverty-stricken billionaire mayor.
EdOct 23rd 2008 8:44AM
This is absolutely ridiculous! Many drivers turn right on red lights (it's perfectly legal at most US intersections), and I, for one, don't want to have to amble along at 10 mph behind some driver who is planning to go straight at an intersection when I am planning a right turn. It will encourage illegal passing. tailgating, and will fuel road rage.
mickOct 23rd 2008 8:57AM
Haha, good idea, might work in Idaho, won't work in Boston, better off if it tells you where the next gas station is during rush hour, foget the light, you'll see it change so many times you'll think it is Christmas!!!
Keith J. MohrhoffOct 23rd 2008 1:20PM
'Smart' traffic lights were developed to give emergency vehicles the power to change the lights in their favor as they approached intersections on their way to emergencies. If you start making even a portion of this technology availabe to the consumer market, it won't be long before everyone has the ability to change lights at will.
Pam in MarylandOct 23rd 2008 1:48PM
I think this is all just wishful thinking. Anyone who drives during rush hour will know that this is just useless. Most of the time you'd have to be going about a mile an hour to reach the next green light. I think it's just a bunch of hype to sell cars.