If you drive a car, a motorcycle, or just ride a bike, you are likely to feel quite unnerved when you have to wait at a traffic light that never seems to turn green. Some of these are timed according to the normal flow of traffic, but others are designed to keep vehicles moving with the green light until they detect the presence of other cars arriving from the perpendicular road, changing the color accordingly. Learn to recognize these traffic lights and trigger the green light so you don't have to wait "forever".
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Determine the Traffic Light Type
Step 1. Look for the signals of a magnetic detection system
As you approach an intersection, check the asphalt for signs indicating the presence of this device under the surface of the road. The detection system recognizes conductive metals found in cars, bicycles and motorcycles.
- When the device recognizes a vehicle, it activates the traffic light control system by "warning" it that there is a means to proceed. The lights of the traffic lights at the intersection begin to change until it turns green for you.
- Check for the presence of the magnetic detection system by observing the asphalt just before the stop line and pedestrian crossing. You can often see carvings on the roadway where the detector was installed, indicating the area where you should stop the vehicle.
- The detection systems can have different shapes, such as that of a dipole antenna (a ring with two elongated ends), quadripole (two rings with three long sides) or a diagonal quadripole (two rings with four long sides designed to detect more easily two-wheeled vehicles).
Step 2. Look for a surveillance camera
See if it is present at intersections, because it can detect cars that are waiting and send the signal to change lights at traffic lights.
- Look for cameras of this type that are fixed on posts and crossbeams near intersections, near the traffic lights themselves.
- Cameras are used to take pictures of motorists committing offenses or can perform both functions.
Step 3. Note that traffic lights may be timed
Remember that some of them change light according to a timer that has been previously set and cannot be changed by the presence of a vehicle.
- Such timed traffic lights are typically found in areas where both intersecting roads are heavily trafficked or in towns that simply do not have the necessary infrastructure for a "smart" system.
- Note that although this kind of "fixed" traffic lights are pre-set and predetermined by the traffic engineers, the timing is updated regularly based on actual usage or even to take into account holidays, major events and potential changes in traffic. number of vehicles on the roads.
Method 2 of 3: Properly Position the Vehicle
Step 1. Approach the stop line
Drive until you reach the line or road markings indicating the "stop", which is perpendicular to the direction of travel and is drawn just before the pedestrian crossing at several intersections.
- If you notice carvings in the asphalt that indicate an electromagnetic sensing system, make sure that the car is positioned right above the metal rings, so that they recognize its presence.
- If you don't notice any signs of the detection system, check for any cameras and make sure you have stopped right in the middle of your lane, not beyond the stop line but not too far.
- It is very important not to cross the road markings or to be too far when you are in the lane to turn left, as in this case there are often specific detection devices that activate the exclusive signal for this maneuver (usually, a green arrow facing left).
Step 2. Place the bicycle or motorcycle in the right place
Remember that people driving a bicycle, motorbike or scooter often have some difficulty in triggering the traffic light detection devices, due to the small size of the vehicle. Be very careful to take the correct lane with the special detector.
- When you see markings on the asphalt indicating a dipole (single ring) sensing system, make sure that both wheels of the vehicle are to the left or right of the ring. If you come across a quadripole system (two rings), stand along the center line where the rings join. If the device is diagonal quadripole, you can stop anywhere above the marks.
- Some intersections are equipped with horizontal signs that indicate exactly the line on which cyclists and motorcyclists must position the wheels of the vehicle. In some cases, there is also a vertical sign that reads "For green wait on [sensor diagram]".
- If you notice any cameras installed for traffic detection, simply make sure that the two-wheeler is in the center of the lane, or tilt it towards the center while on one side. You can also face the camera diagonally; in this way, the profile of the vehicle is greater and the system recognizes it more easily.
Step 3. Press the call button next to the zebra crossing if you are a pedestrian
In this case, you have to pay even more attention and "request green" by pressing the appropriate button, since you cannot be "identified" by the detection systems, as happens with vehicles.
- Press the appropriate button to cross the street in the direction you want and wait for the green light before continuing. At some intersections, the traffic lights automatically update the signs for pedestrians when the lights for the vehicles change, but many others have to be activated manually.
- Never assume that the green light authorizes you to cross where there are no pedestrian crossings. You should only do this where the streaks are, whenever possible.
Method 3 of 3: Improve Vehicle Detection
Step 1. Try a neodymium magnet
Try to improve the electromagnetic sensing of a small vehicle by attaching a powerful but small-sized magnet under the motorcycle or bicycle.
- Be aware that many people find this method to be ineffective, although other riders have noticed some difference moving the magnet over the sensing sensor at slow speed compared to holding it still.
- Beware of strong magnets such as neodymium ones; they can interfere with pacemackers, electronic devices and GPS navigators. They can be dangerous if they hit and break objects, they can corrode metal or pinch fingers or other parts of the body (trapping them between a surface and the magnet itself).
Step 2. Lower the motorcycle stand
If you notice any nicks in the asphalt that indicate sensors are present, try lowering the kickstand over them.
- It is possible that a small extra amount of conductive metal resting just above the edge of the ring could trigger the detection system.
- This "trick" should only work on detection devices, although more body and motorcycle movement (to lower the kickstand or for other reasons) could also activate the camera sensor.
Step 3. Avoid illegal transmitters that emit strobe light
Never try to activate the traffic light priority system, which is instead used by vehicles in emergency service to be able to quickly and safely cross intersections. The system comes into operation when it detects the presence of flashing parts and sensors.
- It is not true that the intermittent beams of very intense light can activate the sensors that detect special infrared transmitters mounted on public and emergency vehicles.
- There are devices on sale that actually emit the exact signal to activate the sensors, but their possession is illegal, unless it is an authorized vehicle for emergencies or public transport.
