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Are traffic lights dangerous?

"It's been suggested that removing all traffic signals and replacing certain intersections with roundabouts would be safer. The logic being that the increased level of danger would make people more careful, forcing them to pay more attention to the road and the actions of others. Is this a good idea? "

All manners of traffic management systems have been used to reduce the number of accidents as well as maximize the flow of traffic, each with its own benefits. Traffic lights, although dangerous at times due to cars passing on red, have shown to be safer for both pedestrians and cyclists. In comparison, roundabouts have proven to be safer and increase movement through an intersection. An increased level of danger at four way stops has also caused drivers to be more aware of their driving habits.

Accidents will happen regardless of the traffic management method. The overall goal remains the need to reduce severity of accidents and increase traffic flow. Some suggest other options should be explored, for example increasing the number of over and underpasses or perhaps installing GPS guidance systems to direct drivers to avoid congested situation. Despite the many methods available for traffic control, drivers need to be more aware of their surrounding in order to create a safe environment for all.

34 comment(s) so far

Geek1 thinks: I think I saw that article you're mentioning. The town was in the Netherlands. It may work there, but somehow, I doubt removing traffic signals could be a good solution for cities such as New York or London where traffic is overflowing and a city grid system is already in place for directional traffic.

martbox thinks: Small junctions in 30mph areas don't need traffic lights, but 40mph+ areas on rush hour routes need congestion management so need lights. (If traffic lights were really that much of a safety problem it would have been clearly identified years ago)

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