Traffic Intersections of the Future

Computer scientists at the University of Texas are developing a traffic system that may someday eliminate the need for stop signs and traffic lights at intersections. The system is intended to work with the driverless vehicles that some believe will be on the roads in the not too distant future. Traditional traffic signals would be replaced by software that can communicate with individual vehicles wirelessly using dedicated short range communication (DSRC) technology. The signals would maintain safe distance between cars while keeping them in motion to avoid collisions and preserve the flow of traffic. The system would also have a “green effect” by reducing vehicles’ need to constantly stop and go, thus requiring them to use much less energy.