Imagine driving up to a busy intersection that knows you're coming - one where the signal stays green a little bit longer to make sure your car gets through safely. Thanks to new technology, intelligent traffic lights are now a reality. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, all 50 states now have intelligent transportation systems up and running or in the works. Studies for one such system called Scoot have been found to reduce peak period travel time by about 25 percent. Researchers at Utrecht University, The Netherlands have implemented the Intelligent Traffic Light Control, a traffic simulator in Java. The results indicate that the system can reduce average waiting times at least 10 percent in semi-busy traffic situations, and much more during peak congestion hours. The Scoot system automatically uses sensors to detect traffic flow, and changes the traffic signals throughout the city accordingly. Engineers at a Traffic Management Center also complement the Scoot system by monitoring the city's streets via closed circuit video cameras. If they know an event is letting out at an arena, engineers can keep certain traffic signals green for longer amounts of time to accommodate the rush. Engineers can also deliver information to motorists electronically via digital signs on the road.
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