Albuquerque, Portland Reward Speed-Limit Drivers With Earlier Green Lights
The system gives compliant drivers earlier green lights and has cut average speed from 39 mph to 30 mph at one tested intersection, officials said.
- Albuquerque and Portland have implemented 'rest in red' systems that reward drivers traveling at the speed limit with earlier green lights, a strategy designed to curb high-speed traffic on dangerous corridors.
- Unlike traditional speed cameras, this method keeps traffic signals red by default until vehicles approach. Albuquerque deployed the system on Lead and Coal avenues, while Portland recently launched it on Southeast Powell Boulevard.
- At a tested Portland intersection, the technology lowered average speeds from 39 mph to 30 mph, the posted limit. Albuquerque resident Isaac Romero said the change has significantly reduced reckless driving near his home.
- Transportation engineering professor David Hurwitz noted the strategy 'seems like it has potential,' though he cautioned that further research is needed to ensure gains aren't offset by negative consequences.
- Jay Beeber, chief government affairs officer for the National Motorists Association, questioned whether driver behavior can change without broad education campaigns. Cities like Boulder, Colorado, and Long Beach, California, have experimented with similar targeted efforts.
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Some Cities Reward Careful Drivers With Fewer Red Lights
Officials struggled for years to curb high-speed crashes along a residential corridor cutting through Albuquerque, New Mexico, but simply punishing the lead-footed drivers didn't seem to work. What ultimately did was rewarding the law-abiding ones with fewer red lights, per the AP . The solution, which the city credits for a...
Cities pilot ‘rest in red’ program that rewards good drivers with green lights
On some streets in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Portland, Oregon, traffic signals default to red until a vehicle approaches. If drivers stay at or below the speed limit, they get an earlier green light. The strategy seems to be working.
Some US cities have begun rewarding careful drivers with fewer red lights - Regional Media News
Officials struggled for years to curb high-speed crashes along a residential corridor cutting through Albuquerque, New Mexico, but simply punishing the lead-footed drivers didn't seem to work. What ultimately did was rewarding the law-abiding ones with fewer red lights. The solution, which the city credits [...]
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