U.S. cities pilot ‘rest in red’ traffic signals to reduce speeding

Several U.S. cities are implementing an innovative traffic signal strategy known as ‘rest in red’ to reduce speeding and improve road safety. Unlike traditional ‘green wave’ systems that synchronize lights for steady driving, this method defaults signals to red. Sensors detect approaching vehicles and their speeds; drivers who adhere to the speed limit are rewarded with a green light, while speeders are forced to stop at a red light.

Pilot programs have shown significant results. In Portland, Oregon, average speeds on tested corridors dropped from 39 mph to the 30 mph limit. In North Carolina, a trial of the strategy led to a 43% reduction in overall accidents. Other cities, including Albuquerque, New Mexico, Long Beach, California, and Boulder, Colorado, have also utilized or tested the system.

While some critics express concern regarding potential increases in red-light violations, proponents view the system as a ‘virtual speed bump’ that incentivizes safe driving through rewards rather than penalties. The strategy is particularly effective on roads with high daytime traffic and lower nighttime volume.