Disinformation in our age
In today’s world, the availability of information is enormous, but this does not prevent falsehoods from often being spread. Too much information, from too many divergent sources, ends up leading many to believe incorrect data.
A rumor about the fourth light
Recently, a false news has been circulating in the networks of our country: the alleged implementation of a fourth white light at the traffic lights. This information, despite its popularity, lacks foundation.
The American study and the white light
It all started with a study by North Carolina State University, in which, through computer simulations, it was proposed to add a fourth light to traffic lights to improve the flow of traffic with autonomous cars.
Statements of the researchers
According to Ali Hajbabaie, one of the authors of the study, “red lights will continue to indicate stop. The green lights will continue to indicate forward. And the white lights will inform human drivers to simply follow the car in front of them.”
Ali Hajbabaie also stated that “we believe it is crucial to incorporate the concept of white light at intersections, as it tells human drivers what is happening, so they know what to do when they approach the intersection.”
Future implementation?
Although this study was completed in 2023, the authors do not guarantee that the data obtained will translate into a future implementation of this idea, either in the United States or in any other country. Even so, it is possible that in the future, when autonomous cars are more common, coexistence in circulation will be made easier with similar initiatives.
conclusion
Therefore, it is important to be critical of the information that circulates on the networks. The proposal of the white light at the traffic lights is nothing more than an idea under study and not an immediate reality. Misinformation can create confusion, but the scientific basis and rigorous studies will always prevail.