Last year we discussed a solution in Nova Scotia that aided colorblind drivers with Shaped Signal Heads (square, diamond, circle). I recently ran across various blog posts about another shaped traffic signal. The UNISignal, which at this point seems to be only a concept, is currently designed to use a Triangle (Red), Circle (Amber/Yellow), and Square (Green) to add information to the signal for those of us with color deficiencies.
It seems like a pretty decent idea, and it could be especially helpful for those pesky horizontally-installed signals (I'm looking at you, Texas). However, I'm not sure about the symbols themselves. It seems that the triangle might be a better fit for the green indication (as it seems to be pointing up).
The official site, www.unisignal.com, is apparently only a placeholder. We'll have to wait to find out if the UNISignal has legs.
So what do you think? Is it time for shaped signal heads? Is it the answer? Is it solving a real problem, or just a perception?
Looks to me like a worse idea than conspicuous outlines:
ReplyDelete1) From a distance, shapes will be hard to distinguish.
2) There's already a standard for position (top/middle/bottom), but no well established standard for shape.
For horizontal signals, why not re-orient them?
Charlie - Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteI agree that reflective outlines signals are probably a more cost-effective treatment. I'd suggest one could do both.
1) Agree on the distance comment, especially at night.
2) True, but establishing a standard could be a long-term goal.
Regarding horizontal orientation, there are a number of reasons.
- Sight distance restrictions, like overpasses between the driver and the traffic signal.
- Some current State DOT standards for clearance (distance from pavement to bottom of signal) make it difficult or costly to install signals at the correct height if installed vertically.
- For some, "that's the way we've always done it."
I like the shape idea and agree with your opinion of the horizontal lights though I've rarely encountered them. More challenging for me was a recent experience in Worcester, MA with a "left-turn" signal. One arrow shaped light that changed colors - red/don't turn, green/turn. I was greatly disturbed by this ( once I got over being screamed at by the drivers behind me for sitting through most of the green cycle) I can't believe anybody designed such a thing
ReplyDeleteI'm working on a post about the "different color arrows in the same location" issue. I've seen it with green and yellow (in Seattle and some Kansas City suburbs), but not with green and red in the same signal location.
ReplyDeleteCould you provide some additional information about the location in Worcester.
Thanks!
Brian
Quebec has had a similar design for many years and now they are relpacing them with standard rousd traffic lights, why?
ReplyDelete