The 'Remaining Time of Traffic Lights' Promoted as a Policy Task… The Results of the Pilot Operation Showed 'Reverse Effects'

The device for displaying the remaining time of traffic lights, promoted as a policy task by the Yoon Suk-yeol government, has been found to increase violations of stop lines rather than prevent traffic accidents.

According to a report by Munhwa Ilbo on the 17th, the Korea National Police Agency's Traffic Safety Advisory Committee fully suspended the introduction of the device in September last year.

The decision was made based on the results of a six-month pilot operation conducted at four intersections in Daegu, Cheonan, and Uijeongbu, which indicated an increased risk of accidents.

40% Increase in Vehicles Crossing Stop Lines

According to a study titled 'Analysis of Drivers' Intersection Behavior Following the Provision of Remaining Time for Traffic Lights' published by the Korea Road Traffic Authority last December, the percentage of vehicles crossing stop lines increased by approximately 40% after the remaining time was provided compared to before the implementation.

The research team analyzed, "Drivers, seeing the remaining time, are suddenly braking to avoid traffic violations, which has actually led to more cases of crossing stop lines." In fact, the likelihood of rear-end collisions at intersections, angle collisions, and pedestrian collisions also rose.

On the other hand, the actual instances of traffic violations decreased by about 37%, confirming some positive effects. However, the overall assessment by the National Police Agency indicates that the negative impacts on intersection safety are greater.

Real-time Information Provided Through Navigation Still Available

Despite this, the information on remaining time for traffic lights is still being provided in some regions. The National Police Agency collaborates with Kakao Mobility to provide real-time signal information at key intersections in more than ten jurisdictions, including Seoul, Incheon, Daegu, and Daejeon.

This follows an agreement reached between both parties in March 2022, allowing remaining time information for traffic lights to be accessed via navigation services.

"Information is Hidden 5 Seconds Prior"… Police Working to Prevent Risks

A representative from the National Police Agency stated, "We do not disclose the remaining time during the last 5 seconds before the signal changes as it may induce premature departures or speeding." They explained, "While the installation of the remaining time device showed clear negative effects, the information provided through navigation is aimed at enhancing driver convenience and will continue to be operated."

The remaining time for traffic lights was originally promoted to aid 'predictive driving' to reduce accidents. However, the results of the experimental study revealed that it induced nervous reactions from drivers, ultimately compromising safety at intersections.

Image Source: Photo = Korea Road Traffic Authority, material photo for better understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank