CASE STUDY: UNSYNCHRONIZED TRAFFIC LIGHTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. This study focused on one of the causes of traffic congestion the
unsychronization of the traffic signals on the road. The involved control problem is to find the right
timing of stop and go configurations depending on the current traffic volume. The signals that should
reflect the actual traffic condition. This research contains discussion regarding the purpose and
importance of the synchronized traffic lights to lessen the congestion happenings on the public roads. It
propose several solution strategy and actions towards the situation.
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Moving from one place to another is by means of transportation. Transportation can
make people go to their destinations and create place and time utility for goods ensuring the
availability at the right time by the use of vehicles such as jeepneys, car, motorvehicle, truck,
bike or any kind of transportation vehicle. Riding in a vehicle gives you a faster way of going to
places at the least cost and least time, however, because of some circumstances it may cause
delay due to traffic congestion.

Traffic congestion is the condition on transport networks that occurs as use increases,
and is characterized by slower speeds, longer trip times, and increased vehicular queueing.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_congestion) Traffic is great enough that the interaction
between vehicles slows the speed of the traffic stream, this results in some congestion.
Generally, it happens at automobile congestion on public roads. As it approaches the capacity of
a road, extreme traffic congestion sets in and it can lead to drivers becoming frustrated and
engaging in road rage.
There are reasons why this traffic occurs that makes the vehicles stop for a while maybe
for a short or long period of time. One reason is the traffic signals that are out of sync or not
synchronized that brings confusion or frustration to some drivers. This kind of problem may
cause long queueing especially when the road is intersected and it is rush hour where there are
many people is on the way to their home or work.
Traffic lights, also known as traffic signals, are signaling devices positioned at road
intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other locations to control flows of traffic. It alternate
the right of way accorded to drivers by displaying lights of a standard color (red, amber (yellow),
and green) following a universal color code. The green light allows traffic to proceed in the
direction denoted if it is safe to do so. The yellow light warns that the signal is about to change
to red. The red signal prohibits any traffic from proceeding. This indication is treated as a stop
sign.
 These signals play a vital role in road safety. The function of these requires more than
slight control and coordination to ensure that traffic moves as smoothly and safely as possible
and that pedestrians are protected when they cross the roads. It is the suitable method of
controlling traffic in a public road, however, there are times that it is the reason why there is
congestion and it is because it is not synchronized.

1.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

To be able to analyze the situation of traffic congestion.
To know how the synchronization of traffic signals can help to reduce the delay due to
traffic.
To be able to provide solution on the problem on traffic control on public roads.

1.3 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The traffic lights across the public roads that are out of sync may cause uncertainty to drivers
that lead to congestion. The case study aims to answer the following questions:
What are the cause and effects of traffic congestion?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of traffic lights?
Why there is unsynchronized traffic signal?
How can synchronized traffic lights reduce traffic?

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The importance of having this study is to seek solutions towards the problem of heavy
traffic condition occurs in roads. This may help to give possible actions on the case of traffic
lights out of sync. The difficulty to accommodate the traffic on road particularly in intersection
needed to be reduced. Analyzing this situation through study can give the others an idea to
make further studies in the case of synchronizing and proper management of traffic lights that
would assist those drivers when to go and stop.
1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
This study focused only on one reason behind the traffic congestion which is the
unsynchronized traffic lights. It did not include other causes of traffic. The solution for this case
can minimize the severe traffic condition.

1.6 HYPOTHESES

HO: Traffic signals causes traffic congestion

H1: Traffic signals do not cause traffic congestion

CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Traffic signals provide orderly movement of traffic by assigning rights of way at

intersecting streets. They’re usually very effective, but can be inefficient and potentially
dangerous to motorists and pedestrians when installed under inappropriate conditions. Signals
that are installed when no legitimate need exists often generate an increase in vehicle stops,
traffic delays, fuel consumption, traffic accidents and disrespect for other traffic signals.
(https://transportation.arlingtonva.us/streets/traffic-signals/) As indicated in the statement,
traffic lights that are useful tool for traffic controlling can also be the cause of congestion.

According to the Dutch Wegenwiki, the fundamental purpose of traffic control signals is
to “realize optimal handling of traffic at conflict points”. At a time in which we ’re moving
towards network management, the functions required of traffic control signals become even
more all-inclusive. Traffic control signals are being deployed very deliberately to buffer traffic to
ensure that queues downstream don’t become so long that vehicles have to stop on
intersections, thus blocking traffic crossing the intersection in other directions.

Conversely, traffic control signals can also be used to ramp meter the inflow into a city
from a motorway. In short, traffic control signals are a powerful control instrument in network
management, and this requires that we focus on functionality – not on the technology used.
Ultimately, what traffic lights do is to instruct road users to stop and wait for the sake of a higher
network goal. (Article from NM Magazine)
Traffic signals are offering a maximum control to any road intersections. These relay
messages of both what you must do and what not to do as a driver. The primary function of the
traffic signals as we know is to assign the right of way to the contradicting movements of traffic
in an intersection. This is actually done by allowing the conflicting traffic streams to share the
same intersection by way of separating the time. Furthermore, the signals provide an orderly
movement of the conflicting flows by means of assigning the right of way alternately to various
movements of the traffic. However, it may interrupt extremely heavy flows to allow the crossing
of some minor movements which otherwise, could not move safely into the intersection.

When they are properly timed, traffic signals may increase the traffic handling capacity
in an intersection. Additionally, when installed under a justified condition of its use, the signal is
very valuable in improving the efficiency and safety of both the vehicular traffic and the
pedestrian. Furthermore, particularly, traffic signals may also help in reducing various types of
accidents. (http://beaconlamps.com/blog/traffic-signals-the-importance-of-traffic-safety-3615)

System set-up

Adding this kind of technology to traffic control signals’ existing system set-up, significantly
increases their added value (certainly at network level), but it doesn’t really bring the costs
down. To do that, we have to look at the system set-up itself. What was the last year that real
innovation of traffic control signals took place? Why can’t traffic control signals functionally
maintain themselves? In an age in which we’re working on autonomous vehicles, it ’s difficult to
retain the existing approach where traffic control schemes are made manually, compiled, and
then loaded onto the traffic control signal on the control computer. Every step in this process
costs time and money, and as the study has shown, it results in traffic control schemes that are
out of date and do not grow along with the changing traffic situation. In other words: we want
traffic control signals that are autonomous in functional maintenance.

We also want traffic control signals whose system set-up is geared to the great developments of
our time, such as cloud computing, mesh networking, and the internet of things. Developments
that have brought innovation and reduced cost in many fields, but are only trickling down into
the world of traffic. And we want traffic control signals that don’t just look like traffic lights to
the road users, but that also explain why road users have to stop and wait. Socially
communicative traffic control signals, that make it easier to use them to buffer the traffic to
prevent congestion downstream.

Before this traffic lights invented, you can imagine that roads were pretty chaotic. Luckily
these days it is no longer the case. Some of the many benefits that a traffic light control system
provides might include the safe movement for cars to help them avoid collisions with cars and
people. They help movement and help conduct an orderly flow by giving right of way to some
cars and not others. They not only make car traffic a lot safer but also pedestrian traffic. They
help reduce the number of accidents and make collisions at intersections a lot less frequent.
They play a crucial and vital role when it comes to safety in our everyday lives.
((http://beaconlamps.com/blog/traffic-signals-the-importance-of-traffic-safety-3615)

Traffic signals are designed to ensure an orderly flow of traffic, provide an opportunity
for pedestrians or vehicles to cross an intersection and help reduce the number of conflicts
between vehicles entering intersections from different directions. Fixed-time signals follow a
predetermined sequence of signal operation, always providing the same amount of time to each
traffic movement, whether traffic is present or not. Actuated signals change the lights according
to the amount of traffic in each direction. They use various types of sensors to detect vehicles,
and adjust the length of the green time to allow as many vehicles as possible through the
intersection before responding to the presence of vehicles on another approach.

Signal timing is something that plays a very important factor in all of this. It is what
actually makes this function and provides people with safety in traffic flow. There are three main
types of signal timing which include fixed timing, actuated timing, and coordinated timing. Fixed
timing uses the same present time intervals that do not change in accordance to traffic volume.
Actuated timing uses a detector that is able to adjust itself to different traffic volumes.
Coordinated timing helps minimize starting and stopping at random which helps traffic flow and
is less likely to create a traffic jam.

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

The researcher used a qualitative method to gather data and information for the
accomplishment of this study. A qualitative research is used to gain an understanding of
underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. This method allows the researcher to develop a
deeper knowledge about the topic. Obtaining information on situations using a qualitative
method can be through exploring internet. Various studies regarding this case can be used as a
guide in conducting own research.

3. 2 SOURCES OF DATA
This research used secondary sources. Secondary source is a document or recording that
relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere. Secondary sources involve
generalization, analysis, synthesis, interpretation, or evaluation of the original information. The
researcher sighted articles and information from different websites. The data gathered helped
the researcher to further analyze the topic being discussed.

CHAPTER 4 DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Traffic congestion causes chaos on the road and it is time-consuming. It makes it difficult
for motorists and commuters to reach their destinations on time. Some people get relieved
from their duties due to unpunctuality, some are demoted, here are some of the main causes of
traffic congestion on our roads and way to avoid them: This disturbance is caused by various
factors ranging from traffic lights that are not functional, car accidents that block the roads and
impact on the free flow of vehicles, overcrowding in our roads cause by the fact that many
people use their own cars to get around, and also reckless and irresponsible drivers who do not
abide by the rules of the road, thus disturbing other motorists. Some taxi drivers are also the
reason for traffic congestion, drivers stop where they are not supposed to stop, due to
passengers demands, drivers find themselves stopping in the middle of the road, without
checking if there is enough space where the taxi can stop without causing traffic congestion or
even accidents.
Advantages of Traffic Lights

Traffic signals control vehicle and pedestrian traffic by assigning priorities to various traffic
movements to influence traffic flow. When this are properly designed, located and maintained,
traffic signals have one or more of these advantages:
Provide for orderly movement of traffic;
Increase traffic-handling capacity of an intersection;
Reduce frequency and severity of certain types of crashes, especially right-angle collisions;
Provide for continuous movement of traffic at a definite speed along a given route;
Interrupt heavy traffic at intervals to permit other vehicles or pedestrians to cross.

Disadvantages of Traffic Lights

Traffic signals are not a solution for all traffic problems at intersections, and unwarranted signals
can adversely affect the safety and efficiency of traffic by causing one or more of the following:

Excessive delay;
Increased traffic congestion, air pollution and gasoline consumption;
Disobedience of signals;
Increased use of less-adequate streets to avoid traffic signals;
Increased frequency of crashes, especially rear-end collisions.

Unsynchronized Traffic Signals

The delays happen because the timing of the lights does not reflect actual traffic
conditions. And even if the lights were maintained regularly, the traditional system still can’t
account for possible delays due to accidents, bad weather, or construction. The traffic lights that
are not functional are very disturbing. It is configured to improve traffic flow and reduce vehicle
emissions by continuous monitoring and optimizing of traffic signal operations based on real-
time traffic conditions. But signals that are not synchronized may cause a traffic congestion
because it generate an increase in vehicle stops, traffic delays, fuel consumption, traffic
accidents and disrespect for other traffic signals. The Department of Transport can also make it
their priority to fix dysfunctional traffic lights as soon as they receive a report that the lights are
not working.

It is believed that traffic signals offer the solution to all intersection traffic-control and
accident problems, a number of signals have been installed nationwide where no legitimate
operational warrant exists. Traffic records clearly show that the attitudes and misunderstandings
that sometimes lead to unjustified installations should be resisted. It is important that the
selection and use of this traffic control device be preceded by a thorough study of traffic and
roadway conditions and that the determination of the type of control and method of operation
be based on the study data.

Synchronization of Traffic Lights

Traffic Signal Synchronization is a traffic engineering technique that matches the green light times for a
series of intersections to enable the maximum number of vehicles to pass through and reducing stops
and delays experienced by motorists. Synchronizing traffic signals ensures a better flow of traffic and
minimizes gas consumption and pollutant emissions.

In this case, the problem in congestion will be lessen as well as the delay that it causes to the drivers
going to their destinations.

Why signal synchronization is needed

Drivers often get frustrated when they have to stop at successive traffic lights, or when they have to wait
a long time for a green light, especially when there appears to be no traffic in the other directions. Traffic
signals are designed to distribute the green time to conflicting traffic streams, generally based on the
traffic volumes. If the traffic on a main street is considerably higher than the side street, more green time
may be given to the main street which could result in a longer wait for drivers on the side street.
However, synchronizing signals along a main street can benefit all motorists because once a vehicle
enters the main street, it may continue with minimal stopping. Hence, it is beneficial for both the main
street and side street traffic. The goal of synchronization is to get the greatest number of vehicles
through the intersections with the fewest stops.

How traffic signal synchronization works

The way traffic signal synchronization works is by calculating the arrival time for a group of vehicles at
each intersection traveling at a specified speed, and then the traffic signals are strategically timed to
turn green just as the group of vehicles arrive at each intersection. In order for the traffic signals to be
synchronized, a group of signals must all be set to run on the same cycle length (the amount of time it
takes for the signal to go from green to yellow to red; and back to green again - after the cross street has
been serviced.
Synchronization of Signals

Traffic signal synchronization allows a series of lights along a street to turn green based on
synchronized timers set and pre-assigned speed to current traffic patterns and congestion
levels. It is a cost effective way to reduce overall stops and travel delays.

Cue the new system: Synchronized traffic lights.

In LA, the Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control system, as it’s officially known,
uses hundreds of cameras and magnetic sensors to measure traffic flow. A centralized computer
system makes constant, real-time adjustments to keep traffic moving as quickly as possible. The
magnetic sensors in the road also pick up most bicycles — pedestrians are more difficult but still
accounted for. This is all without human intervention (except for the person monitoring the
underground computer system).

Early estimates boast a 16 percent increase in traffic speed, as well as a 12 percent reduction in
delays at major LA intersections. And yet, in the same month that the new system was
implemented, LA again claimed the number one rating for worst traffic in the country according
to INRIX, an industry leader in creating systems that analyze traffic data.

CHAPTER 5 OUTCOMES OF THE STUDY

5.1 CONCLUSION

Based on the data gathered, the traffic lights causes delay to those people going to their
destinations. Therefore, it is one of the reason why there is traffic congestion. Unsynchronized
traffic signals can be the result of system malfunctioning that will give confusions to the drivers.
It is time consuming and let drivers wait for too long and many cars will stock in one road. When
a computer failure causes out of sync signals, a smooth sailing roadway can be instantly turned
into a parking lot with the same number of vehicles. Fortunately, that problem is usually
corrected in a few hours.

5.2 ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION

Traffic control signals should have a system set-up that is geared to the great
developments of our time, such as cloud computing, mesh networking, and the internet of
things. Traffic control signals should not just look like traffic lights to the road users, but that
also explain why road users have to stop and wait. Socially communicative traffic control signals,
that make it easier to use them to buffer the traffic to prevent congestion downstream. Timing
of the lights in traffic signals should reflect the actual traffic conditions and not just depend on
the centralized timer that is set in traditional system.

Traffic signals should be used only where lesser forms of control have proven ineffective
because signals almost always create more "overall intersection delay." In fact, minor
movements may experience excessive delay, particularly if the signal is improperly timed. As a
result, many drivers switch to less desirable alternate routes or to residential streets to avoid
the added delay. The Department of Transport can also make it their priority to fix dysfunctional
traffic lights as soon as they receive a report that the lights are not working.

REFERENCES
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_congestion)
https://transportation.arlingtonva.us/streets/traffic-signals/)
http://beaconlamps.com/blog/traffic-signals-the-importance-of-traffic-safety-3615

http://beaconlamps.com/blog/traffic-signals-the-importance-of-traffic-safety-3615

https://bklyner.com/what-really-causes-traffic-congestion-sheepshead-bay/

http://howimportant.com/importance-of-traffic-light-control-systems/
http://www.ijctjournal.org/Volume2/Issue4/IJCT-V2I4P7.pdf
https://www.idc-online.com/technical_references/pdfs/civil_engineering/Synchronization%20of.pdf

http://www.cityofirvine.org/signal-operations-maintenance/traffic-signal-synchronization

http://nevonprojects.com/traffic-signals-with-synchronization-system/