Transportation officials are taking note of a new traffic‑control method that rewards law‑abiding drivers with green lights while slowing down speeders. The approach, known as “rest‑in‑red,” keeps signals red by default until a vehicle is detected, then turns green for the approaching car.

Study shows dramatic safety gains

According to Aaron Moody, spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, a 2023 study of five rural and urban roads in the state recorded a 43% reduction in total crashes after the “rest‑in‑red” system was installed around the clock. The study focused on roads built for high‑capacity traffic during daylight hours, which tend to be less congested and more prone to speeding at night.

How the system works

Unlike similar programs in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Portland, Oregon, which rely on speed sensors to turn lights green for compliant drivers, the North Carolina version does not use sensors. Instead, the lights remain red until a vehicle approaches, prompting drivers to slow down and proceed only when it is safe.

Local officials see potential

John Romero, who runs a home‑security business and has toured many neighborhoods, believes the method could be expanded to other cities. “If everybody cruises to 30 calmly, I can promise you you can get every single green light all the way down,” Romero said. He warned, however, that a single speeder can trigger a red light for everyone on the route.

Challenges to wider adoption

Despite the clear safety benefits, many municipalities have been slow to adopt “rest‑in‑red” systems. Officials cite concerns about driver acceptance, the cost of retrofitting existing signal infrastructure, and the need for public education on how the new timing works.

What’s next?

Transportation planners in several states are reviewing the North Carolina results as they consider pilot projects of their own. If the trend continues, “rest‑in‑red” could become a standard tool for reducing speeding‑related crashes while keeping traffic flowing smoothly for responsible drivers.

Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.