Solutions to reduce red-light running

Using an advanced driving simulator, researchers at the University of Central Florida explored various means to prevent the inadvertent running of red lights. The most successful approach was also likely one of the least expensive, with improved pavement markings reducing missed signals by 74% while not increasing the chance of rear-end collisions. The marking was a simple "SIGNAL AHEAD" painted on the road, placed at the right spot to give drivers time to decide whether or not to clear the intersection on a yellow light. The presence of large vehicles that blocked the drivers' view of traffic signal caused problems in the test, as did the length of yellow lights. While side-mounted traffic lights helped the majority of the test subjects deal with the first problem, the effect of longer yellow lights was not explored. [Hat tip - Instapundit]