App to avoid red traffic lights

Updated



Scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a programme that can predict when traffic lights will turn green and show the driver the best speed to maintain in order to avoid having to stop.

Initial trials suggest that it can lead to a 20% fuel saving, not to mention a less stressful driving experience. The system works by mounting a smartphone to the windscreen, (just like you would position an aftermarket sat-nav system). The phone takes photographs of the traffic lights being approached and uses an algorithm to work out when they are likely to change. It also works collaboratively, so that the more cars using the system, the greater the accuracy.

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