We all played the childhood game "Red Light, Green Light." It was based on traffic signals that we all know means stop and go! But now, we might need to add a "White Light" into the mix!

As more and more autonomous vehicles share the roads, researchers are proposing adding a fourth traffic light (or "white light") that would, in essence, enable autonomous vehicles to help control traffic flow—and let human drivers know what's going on. 

The white phase concept rests on the fact that it is possible for AVs to communicate wirelessly with both each other and the computer controlling the traffic signal. When enough AVs are approaching the intersection, this would activate the white light. The white light is a signal that AVs are coordinating their movement to facilitate traffic through the intersection more efficiently. Any non-automated vehicles—those being driven by a person—would simply be required to follow the vehicle in front of them: if the car in front of them stops, they stop; if the car in front of them goes through the intersection, they go through the intersection.

Read the full story