4 Reasons Behind Changed Layout Explained
Globally, the most typical set-up of traffic lights is vertical, but certain U.S states – Texas, Florida, New Mexico, and Nebraska – stand out by having them positioned horizontally. Various climatic conditions and regions account for why they adopted this contrastive design. YouTuber Road Guy Rob explored and inquired with local personnel to gain insight into why there is no strict regulation on such variance. It turns out that many elements influence this outcome.
The primary rationales for an uncommon stoplight setup include clearance, price, and visibility. Additionally, with potential road users possibly colorblind, guidelines associated with the positioning of these signals must still be adhered to. So, what precisely are elements that can effect a singular stoplight configuration?
One of the key causes for concern is a deficiency in headroom. The presenter gives an example of a motorway junction in California that was erected over an already existing junction. Here, even though most Californian traffic lights are normally placed upright, the ones used at this specific site are laid horizontally so they can grant greater room to vehicles that pass below, including trucks. The only other option would have been to raise the bridge, which would come with a far higher cost; as a result, optically setting the stoplights was the more economic answer. Correspondingly, horizontal signal heads can be installed slightly lower than usual, saving centimeters at each one, aggregating to considerable savings when you consider the thousands of points of control found across the state.
Climate is a massive factor to consider, this is why states that often experience strong winds or hurricanes – such as Florida – prefer to use horizontal centred junctions. This configuration helps minimise drag and encourages aerodynamicity, which prevents the signal construction from being loosened or deformed. Additionally it places minimal strain onto the pole itself. We’ve observed how streamline aerodynamics bring advantages to cars such as the Lucid Air, and a similar notion can also be implemented to static objects.
Local favoritism may be a factor, plus the nearby structure. Unsightly bridges can conceal smaller signals; thus, positioning lights horizontally makes them more discernible from a longer distance. Furthermore, folks with colorblindness might struggle to identify which light is red? This could also cause distress among those not familiar with the area.
There exist essential regulations connected to virtually all facets of life. Among traffic signals, the most common setup involves a top-down organization where red is first, followed by yellow, then lastly green. This sequence parallels the English language framework of reading (top to bottom, left to right) thus resulting in the left-most display being red while the furthest light on the right is green. The Manual on Uniform Control Devices establishes particular measurements for such traffic signals including positioning them no higher or lower than fifteen to twenty-five feet from the ground to make sure that taller vehicles can easily pass underneath. Moreover, the signal heads should be situated no further away than 180 feet from the driver and within a 40-degree cone window in view of the stoplight line from the motorist’s drivers seat.
In years to come, the aesthetic of the construction will become mundane compared to its ability to interface with vehicles; yet, a vision component will still be necessary as an alternative. This would only become irrelevant, however, if vehicle self-driving technology eventually emerges onto the commercial sector.
