They are a mechanical invention designed to regulate, not strangulate, the flow of traffic. Yet some Lima residents aren't too happy with area traffic lights. We explain how these signals work and how to get through them in a safe and safely manner.
There are many misconceptions about traffic signals and how they work. Our focus usually turns to the nuisance they cause, long delays to our final destination, road rage, and misconceived notions about the benefits signals.
In reality, the purpose of traffic signals is to solve traffic conflicts. We all want to be in the same place at the same time, but this would only lead to accidents and severe traffic jams.
Some Lima residents say they can't get through lights fast enough, others say they feel like they spend eternity waiting, but in reality there is no set time for a light to change, the light is tripped when cars are detected on the pavement all ran by a signal box.
"Most of our ODOT traffic signals are run what we call actuated timings, that is based on vehicle demand and it will move through the movements based on vehicle demand and change directions as necessary."
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, actuated signals reduce the frequency and severity of accidents, increase the intersections capacity for handling traffic, and allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross. But ODOT says there are several reasons you aren't making the light.
"Some of it could be inattention, the other thing is that once the signal does go green, that timer is counting, and if that first car lags a little bit, that will take up some of the time. Also if cars tend to have a lot of space between them, there is a gap there that will actually force the signal to turn somewhere else."
Just remember, when you are making your commute, always obey every traffic signal and keep your attention on the road.
