The Traffic Light: Have you ever thought much about it?

We see them every day. We're probably stopped by a few of them every day. However, have you ever stopped to consider how that pesky traffic light came to be on that specific corner in the first place? From the surveying company
hired to do the property survey to the engineers who design the land to the data analysts who program the lights, myriad of people are part of the process. It's too bad we can't learn to appreciate their presence.

Traffic lights are both a curse and a blessing. While they help to control the flow of traffic on the roads and help to reduce the chaos that would otherwise ensue, they always seem to stop us when we are in a hurry. How do they know? While they aren't programmed with ESP or to know if a car is in a hurry, they are programmed to know you are there. You have got to have a special place in your heart for those lights that detect your presence and change just as you pull up. Ah, if only they could always react that way.

The traffic light has been slowing us down since 1920, when a police officer decided to do something about the ever increasing number of people getting behind the wheel of a car. Detroit had the first traffic light and it helped so much that within the year there were already 15 installed. Wouldn't you love to be responsible for the invention of that? The first light was made by utilizing the railroad light as a model.

These days traffic lights are so sophisticated they combine both the detectors as well as cameras. Because the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety determined that so many accidents were happening because drivers were running red lights they decided to do something about it. Now many traffic lights have cameras built in that will collect evidence to prosecute light runners. If you are caught running a red light you will receive a picture of the crime as well as your ticket in the mail a month or two later. So, while you may be sitting at home thinking you got away with it, think again.

The future of the traffic light has many possibilities. Some speculate that they may be solar powered, allowing the light to become more energy efficient. While others have created plans that would allow the light to become a laser instead. Some pictures online depict a laser barrier that would be in place while the car is stopped and then would simply disappear when you can go. Maybe we'll find them talking to us in the future - saying stop and go along with the changing lights.

Okay, so the traffic light may not be the most fascinating thing in your life; however, you must admit that it has had quite an impact on the world. Further, it involves so many different people to be involved. Traffic departments, land surveyors, construction companies, the list is endless on the number of departments and specialists involved in making sure lights are up and running smoothly. Next time you get stopped by that red light on the way to work take a moment to appreciate the light instead of feeling that usual irritation.

About the Author: Rebecca Beckett is a freelance writer for Innuity. If you would like more information about surveying company
or property survey
go to Dryco Surveying